| Record |
Author  |
Barantal, S.; Schimann, H.; Fromin, N.; Hattenschwiler, S. |
| Title |
Nutrient and Carbon Limitation on Decomposition in an Amazonian Moist Forest |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Ecosystems |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ecosystems |
| Volume |
15 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
1039-1052 |
| Keywords |
energy limitation; labile carbon; litter quality; nitrogen; phosphorus; priming effect; soil fauna; tropical forest |
| Abstract |
Tropical forests determine global biogeochemical cycles to a large extent, but control factors for key ecosystem processes such as decomposition remain poorly understood. With a full-factorial C (cellulose), N (urea), and P (phosphate) fertilization experiment, we tested the relative importance of C and nutrient limitation on litter decomposition in a mature lowland moist forest of French Guiana. Despite the previously demonstrated litter C quality control over decomposition and the very low soil P content (0. 1 mg g -1 of soil) at our study site, fertilization with C or P alone did not increase the decomposition of a wide range of litter types (N:P ratios between 20 and 80). Nitrogen fertilization alone also had no effect on decomposition. However, the combined fertilization with N and P resulted in up to 33. 5% more initial litter mass lost, with an increasing effect with wider litter N:P ratios. Soil fauna strongly stimulated litter mass loss and enhanced nutrient fertilization effects. Moreover, nutrient effects on decomposition increased with additional C fertilization in the presence of fauna. Our results suggest that increased N availability is required for a positive P effect on decomposition in the studied P-poor tropical forest. Further stimulation of decomposition by C amendment through priming indicates energy limitation of decomposers that is co-determined by nutrient availability. The demonstrated intricate control of the key resources C, N, and P on decomposition calls for an intensified research effort on multiple resource limitation on key processes in tropical forests and how they change under multiple human impacts. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. |
| Address |
UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (ECOFOG), INRA, Kourou, French Guiana |
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| ISSN |
14329840 (Issn) |
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| Notes |
Export Date: 2 November 2012; Source: Scopus; Coden: Ecosf; doi: 10.1007/s10021-012-9564-9; Language of Original Document: English; Correspondence Address: Schimann, H.; UMR Ecologie des Forêts de Guyane (ECOFOG), INRA, Kourou, French Guiana; email: heidy.schimann@ecofog.gf |
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EcoFoG @ webmaster @ |
Serial |
442 |
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