Spatial variability in decomposition rates in a desert scrub of Northwestern Mexico

作者: Laura Arriaga , Yolanda Maya

DOI: 10.1007/S11258-006-9178-4

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摘要: The decomposition of leaf litter for five dominant plant species a desert scrub in Baja California Sur, Mexico was investigated. We designed factorial experiment using bags and the collected leaf-litter from Prosopis articulata, Jatropha cinerea, J. cuneata, Cyrtocarpa edulis, Fouquieria diguetti. Factors, such as radiation exposure, rainfall, size litter-consuming organisms were considered. rates calculated these environmental conditions by single exponential models. initial concentration nutrients (C, N, P, K, Ca) crude-fiber content determined. Our results show that heterogeneity generated different exposure short-term rainfall patterns are most relevant factors affecting processes this Sonoran community. A species-specific pattern observed decay mass-loss patterns. Decomposition varied 0.0027 to 0.0201 depending on ecological conditions. higher under bare-soil during wet year than shade provided canopy nurse trees dry year. cuneata reincorporated soil more rapidly P. articulata C. edulis. Termites important macroarthropods associated with decomposition, their harvest distribution independent resources distribution. significance is discussed considering extreme climatic prevailing region.

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