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(027) Forest litter decomposition rate in Niepolomice Forest - relation between anthropogenic and natural factors. Wojtowicz, Malgorzata1, Niklinska, Maria1, 1 ABSTRACT- Decomposition of dead organic matter and activation of nutrients are the most important functions of forest litter layer and in this way have an influence on all living conditions in the ecosystem. These processes are regulated by many natural factors, however, anthropogenic pollutants, such as heavy metals or industrial dusts, may affect decomposition processes negatively. The aim of this research was to segregate the effects of natural factors from the effects of heavy metals in Niepolomice Forest (south-eastern Poland). Pollutants from nearby steel works, Silesian, Bohemian and Slovakian industry regions have polluted Niepolomice Forest chronically for the last 50 years. Forty plots across the Niepolomice Forest were selected as representation of the major vegetation types. Decomposition rate was measured using litter bags method. Nylon mesh bags with standard material (cellulose filter paper) and litter bags with hornbeam leaves collected from unpolluted area were placed on each of study plots. The mass loss in collected litter bags was determined as a measure of decomposition rate. Decomposition rate was correlated with concentrations of heavy metals and nutrients in soil and humus layer, soil acidity, moisture and vegetation type. The dynamic of heavy metals accumulation in exposed leaf material was also determined. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to separate effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on the decomposition rate. Multiple regression was used to select factors having a significant effect on decomposition and respiration rate. Key words: decomposition, forest litter, anthropogenic pollution, Niepolomice Forest |
