Leaf litter decay rates differ between mycorrhizal groups in temperate, but not tropical, forests

Keller, Adrienne B.; Phillips, Richard P.

doi:10.1111/nph.15524

Title: Leaf litter decay rates differ between mycorrhizal groups in temperate, but not tropical, forests

Journal Article · 08 October 2018 · New Phytologist

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.15524 · OSTI ID:1612156

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Indiana Univ., Bloomington, IN (United States); DOE/OSTI
Indiana Univ., Bloomington, IN (United States)

Whereas the primary controls on litter decomposition are well established, we lack a framework for predicting interspecific differences in litter decay within and across ecosystems. Given previous research linking tree mycorrhizal association with carbon and nutrient dynamics, we hypothesized that the two dominant mycorrhizal groups in forests – arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi – differ in litter decomposition rates. We compiled leaf litter chemistry and decay data for AM- and ECM-associating angiosperms and gymnosperms (> 200 species) from temperate and tropical/subtropical, and investigated relationships among decay rates, mycorrhizal association, phylogeny and climate. In temperate forests, AM litters decayed faster than ECM litters, with litter nitrogen and phylogeny best explaining variation in litter decay. In sub/tropical forests, we found no significant difference in litter decay rate between mycorrhizal groups, and variation in decay rates was best explained by litter phosphorus. Finally, our results suggest that knowledge of tree mycorrhizal association may improve predictions of species effects on ecosystem processes, particularly in temperate forests where AM and ECM species commonly co-occur, providing a predictive framework for linking litter quality, organic matter dynamics and nutrient acquisition in forests.

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Research Organization:: Univ. of California, Los Angeles, CA (United States); Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0016188

OSTI ID:: 1612156

Journal Information:: New Phytologist, Journal Name: New Phytologist Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 222; ISSN 0028-646X

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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