@article {50366,
	title = {Global-scale similiarities in nitrogen release patterns during long-term decomposition},
	journal = {Science},
	volume = {315},
	year = {2007},
	note = {//NMSU//LTER V//Study: LIDET//entered 02/15/2007},
	month = {2007},
	pages = {361-364},
	abstract = {<p>Litter decomposition provides the primary source of mineral nitrogen (N) for biological activity in most terrestrial ecosystems. A 10-year decomposition experiment in 21 sites from seven biomes found that net N release from leaf litter is dominantly driven by the initial tissue N concentration and mass remaining regardless of climate, edaphic conditions, or biota. Arid grasslands exposed to high ultraviolet radiation were an exception, where net N release was insensitive to initial N. Roots released N linearly with decomposition and exhibited little net N immobilization. We suggest that fundamental constraints on decomposer physiologies lead to predictable global-scale patterns in net N release during decomposition.</p>
},
	keywords = {article, decomposition, leaf litter, decomposition, root, journal, LIDET, long-term decomposition, nitrogen},
	doi = {10.1126/science.1134853 },
	url = {files/bibliography/JRN00478.pdf},
	author = {William Parton and Silver, Whendee L. and Ingrid C. Burke and Grassens, Leo and M. Harmon and Currie, William S. and King, Jennifer Y. and Adair, E. Carol and Brandt, Leslie A. and Hart, Stephen C. and Fasth, Becky}
}
