PARENT SESSION
Tuesday, August 8, 1:30-5:00 pm
COS 32 - Biodiversity III: ecosystem function
Ballroom E, Ballroom Level, Cook Convention Center
Presiders: P Stoy
The effects of leaf litter species diversity on decomposition in a forested watershed in the southern Appalachians.
Ball, Becky1, Kominoski, John1, Hunter, Mark2, Pringle, Cathy1, Coleman, Dave1, Bradford, Mark1, 1 University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, U.S.A.2 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT- Traditionally, aquatic and terrestrial systems are studied separately. However, the two undergo similar processes and are closely linked. Both forest soils and headwater streams receive leaf litter inputs that are processed by detritivores, constituting a significant flow of energy and nutrients through foodwebs. The composition of riparian forests determines the allochthonous input into streams, and stream hydrology can influence the composition of the riparian forests. Commonly, land use is correlated with a change in species diversity, and there is a need to understand mechanisms by which leaf litter species diversity affects decomposition. To bridge the gap between aquatic and terrestrial research, a collaborative project at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory is being conducted to compare the decomposition process in a riparian zone and its associated stream. We selected four leaf litter species covering a gradient of resource qualities and decay rates for a litterbag decomposition study. Comparable methods were used to detect the effects of species diversity on leaf litter chemical quality, decomposer fauna, and decay rate throughout decomposition. Data thus far has shown the possibility for interesting diversity effects and differences in those patterns between aquatic and terrestrial systems.
Key words: diversity and ecosystem function, temperate deciduous forest, terrestrial-aquatic interface