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Linking tree species identity to anaerobic microbial activity in a forested wetland soil via leaf litter decomposition and leaf carbon fractions

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Abstract

Aims

Our aim was to examine the linkage between tree species and anaerobic microbial activity in a forested wetland. If plant species have a unique influence on soil microorganisms, then knowing plant species identity has tremendous potential to predict rates of microbial activity belowground. We expected the linkage to occur via leaf litter decay rate and differences in leaf litter carbon (C) fractions.

Methods

We used leaf litter from 10 tree species (angiosperm and gymnosperm, deciduous and evergreen) and soil from a forested wetland in New York State. We quantified leaf litter decay on the soil surface and correlated variation in rates with leaf mass per area (LMA) and several C fractions. We extracted water-soluble compounds from green leaves and leaf litter and tested their ability to fuel anaerobic carbon dioxide (CO2) production and methane (CH4) production. We also added leaf litter directly to soil to examine how the residue might influence anaerobic microbial activity.

Results

Leaf decay rates exhibited a negative linear relationship with LMA. Variations in rates of soil methane (CH4) production were species specific and greater with gymnosperms (mean = 8.6 μmol g−1 d−1) than angiosperms (mean = 3.7 μmol g−1 d−1). Rates of anaerobic CO2 production were less affected by plant species. Pectin and hemicellulose in leaf litter was particularly conducive to anaerobic decomposition and CH4 production.

Conclusions

The influence of plant species on soil microbial activity will become clearer when we can better quantify leaf C fractions and understand the decomposability of each fraction in relationship to others.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853-3001, USA

    Joseph B. Yavitt

  2. Department of Earth and Environment, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, 17604-3003, USA

    Christopher J. Williams

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  1. Joseph B. Yavitt
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  2. Christopher J. Williams
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Correspondence to Joseph B. Yavitt.

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Yavitt, J.B., Williams, C.J. Linking tree species identity to anaerobic microbial activity in a forested wetland soil via leaf litter decomposition and leaf carbon fractions. Plant Soil 390, 293–305 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2403-y

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