Processing of confined and naturally entrained leaf litter in a woodland stream ecosystem

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1980.25.5.0952· OSTI ID:6761782

Cummins, K W; Spengler, G L; Ward, G M; Speaker, R M; Ovink, R W; Mahan, D C; Mattingly, R L

A comparison between stream community processing rates of naturally entrained leaf litter and leaves in packs or 1 mm-mesh bags demonstrated that packs served as a suitable analogue of processing in exposed sites (riffles) whereas bags did not. In riffles, leaves in bags were processed at rates characteristic of litter in depositional zones (pools and alcoves). A length-weight regression method for evaluating the range of microhabitat-related processing rates in stream communities appears suitable. Leaf litter nitrogen levels and increased processing rates by shredders reflected microbial conditioning. Shredders responded to high quality basswood (Tilia americana) leaves by increasing their density rather than growth per individual.

• Research Organization: Oregon State Univ., Corvallis
• OSTI ID: 6761782
• Journal Information: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 25:5; ISSN LIOCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIODEGRADATION
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DATA
DECOMPOSITION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FOREST LITTER
INFORMATION
LEAVES
MATERIALS
NUMERICAL DATA
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS