Summary
Data for cellulose decomposition at South Georgia in litter bags and cotton strips are combined with information on the cellulolytic activity of fungi to show that major differences in the rate of cellulose breakdown are possible. An explanation for this is offered in terms of plant growth form, micro-climate and substratum quality. Cellulose break-down is linked to nutrient cycling for particular species via the percentage element content in standing dead organic matter. It is suggested that at South Georgia decomposition is mediated via a different system to that described for Arctic communities.
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Walton, D.W.H. (1985). Cellulose Decomposition and Its Relationship to Nutrient Cycling at South Georgia. In: Siegfried, W.R., Condy, P.R., Laws, R.M. (eds) Antarctic Nutrient Cycles and Food Webs. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-82275-9_27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-82275-9_27
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