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Litter decomposition of woody species in shrublands of NW Patagonia: how much do functional groups and microsite conditions influence decomposition?

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Abstract

The study examined the effects of leaf traits, soil microsite, and microclimate characteristics on litter decomposition of the dominant species in two functional groups (FG), deciduous and evergreen, in shrublands in NW Patagonia, Argentina. Leaf traits considered were nutrient concentration (C, N, P, C/N, and N/P) and physical characteristics (area, strength, specific leaf area, and dry matter content). Soil microsite characteristics measured were pH, C, N, P, C/N and water retention capacity, while soil microclimate characteristics recorded were soil and air, temperature and moisture, and solar radiation. Five evergreen and five deciduous woody shrub species were selected. During 1 year, litter and microsite properties were measured below canopy: (i) senescent leaf chemical and physical properties, and the quantity as well as field decomposition of litter and (ii) soil chemistry, and soil and air physical properties. The factors controlling litter decomposition were different for each FG. In deciduous species, C/N ratio had a negative effect on decomposition. In evergreen species, decomposition was affected negatively by leaf carbon and dry matter content. Litter decomposition depended exclusively on the inherent senescent leaves traits. The common decomposition pattern between species of both FG could be attributed to similar leaf traits and the correlation between variables that control decomposition in both groups. Plant nutrient inputs associated with the litter decomposition process did not explain the soil nutrient content. These results suggest that other organic matter sources (roots, branches, and fruits) are more important than leaves on soil fertility.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Universidad Nacional del Comahue (B103), MINCyT (PROEVO 40-B-189), CONICET (PIP-5066), MAGyP (PIA10118), and YPF (4x4 Ford Ranger donation).Thanks to M. Carruitero, L. Aput, and C.Tur for field assistance. Thanks to Drs. Analía Lorena Carrera, Joseph Donnegan, and Juan Cabrera for reviewing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), Quintral 1250, 8400, Bariloche, Argentina

    Manuel de Paz & Estela Raffaele

  2. Depto. de Biología, CRUB, Universidad Nacional del Comahue and INIBIOMA, Bariloche, Argentina

    Miriam E. Gobbi

  3. Lanin Iman LLC, Natural Resources Consultancy, 10520 NW 195 Ave., Hillsboro, OR, 97124, USA

    M. Gabriela Buamscha

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  1. Manuel de Paz
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  2. Miriam E. Gobbi
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  4. M. Gabriela Buamscha
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Correspondence to Manuel de Paz.

Additional information

Communicated by Jason B. West.

Nomenclature: Instituto de botánica Darwinion data base (http://www.floraargentina.edu.ar/).

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de Paz, M., Gobbi, M.E., Raffaele, E. et al. Litter decomposition of woody species in shrublands of NW Patagonia: how much do functional groups and microsite conditions influence decomposition?. Plant Ecol 218, 699–710 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-017-0722-1

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