Title | Global-scale similiarities in nitrogen release patterns during long-term decomposition |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2007 |
Authors | Parton W, Silver WL, Burke IC, Grassens L, Harmon M., Currie WS, King JY, E. Adair C, Brandt LA, Hart SC, Fasth B |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 315 |
Pagination | 361-364 |
Date Published | 2007 |
Accession Number | JRN00478 |
Call Number | 00893 |
Keywords | article, decomposition, leaf litter, decomposition, root, journal, LIDET, long-term decomposition, nitrogen |
Abstract | 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. |
URL | files/bibliography/JRN00478.pdf |
DOI | 10.1126/science.1134853 |
Reprint Edition | In File (2/15/2007) |