Experimental evidence for the interacting effects of forest edge, moisture and soil macrofauna on leaf litter decomposition

Riutta, Terhi; Slade, Eleanor M.; Bebber, Daniel P.; Taylor, Michele E.; Malhi, Yadvinder; Riordan, Philip; MacDonald, David W.; Morecroft, Michael D.. 2012 Experimental evidence for the interacting effects of forest edge, moisture and soil macrofauna on leaf litter decomposition. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 49. 124-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.02.028

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.02.028

Abstract/Summary

Forest ecosystems have been widely fragmented by human land use. Fragmentation induces significant microclimatic and biological differences at the forest edge relative to the forest interior. Increased exposure to solar radiation and wind at forest edges reduces soil moisture, which in turn affects leaf litter decomposition. We investigate the effect of forest fragmentation, soil moisture, soil macrofauna and litter quality on leaf litter decomposition to test the hypothesis that decomposition will be slower at a forest edge relative to the interior and that this effect is driven by lower soil moisture at the forest edge. Experimental plots were established at Wytham Woods, UK, and an experimental watering treatment was applied in plots at the forest edge and interior. Decomposition rate was measured using litter bags of two different mesh sizes, to include or exclude invertebrate macrofauna, and containing leaf litter of two tree species: easily decomposing ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and recalcitrant oak (Quercus robur L.). The decomposition rate was moisture-limited at both sites. However, the soil was moister and decomposition for both species was faster in the forest interior than at the edge. The presence of macrofauna accelerated the decomposition rate regardless of moisture conditions, and was particularly important in the decomposition of the recalcitrant oak. However, there was no effect of the watering treatment on macrofauna species richness and abundance. This study demonstrates the effect of forest fragmentation on an important ecosystem process, providing new insights into the interacting effects of moisture conditions, litter quality, forest edge and soil macrofauna.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.02.028
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pywell
ISSN:	0038-0717
Additional Keywords:	soil invertebrates, edge effect, fragmentation, leaf litter, litter quality, temperate woodland, moisture, decomposition
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	04 May 2012 13:03 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/17962

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.02.028

Programmes:

CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Pywell

ISSN:

0038-0717

Additional Keywords:

soil invertebrates, edge effect, fragmentation, leaf litter, litter quality, temperate woodland, moisture, decomposition