Disentangling the determinants of litter decomposition among invaded and uninvaded habitats: A field experiment from the Kashmir Himalaya

摘要: Abstract Litter decomposition, a key biogeochemical cycling process regulating carbon and other nutrient balances, is driven by several factors including vegetation composition, litter quality local environmental conditions. However, the relative role of these drivers on decomposition in context plant invasions has been little investigated, particularly Himalaya. In this study, we investigated effect invasion, altitude rate at multiple sites along an elevational gradient Kashmir We used standard litterbag incubation experiment to compare rates among plots with- without global invader Leucanthemum vulgare, using both (cellulosic filter papers) (pine needles) types. Our results show that invasion had significant types with relatively higher decomposability case invaded than uninvaded ones. was predominant factor controlling as evidenced from much (about eight times) papers compared pine needles. Also, significantly negative types, possibly through influence abiotic conditions (temperature precipitation particular). highlight that, although are affecting regional scale, exerted stronger influence. study suggests invasive L. vulgare altering could greatly nutrients landscapes.