Nutrient release dynamics associated with native and invasive leaf litter decomposition: a Mesocosm Experiment

Mutshekwa, Thendo; Cuthbert, Ross N; Wasserman, Ryan J; Murungweni, Florence M; Dalu, Tatenda

Title: Nutrient release dynamics associated with native and invasive leaf litter decomposition: a Mesocosm Experiment
Creator: Mutshekwa, Thendo
Creator: Cuthbert, Ross N
Creator: Wasserman, Ryan J
Creator: Murungweni, Florence M
Creator: Dalu, Tatenda
Date Issued: 2020
Date: 2020
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/160467
Identifier: vital:40448
Identifier: https://doi.org/10.3390/w12092350
Description: Leaf litter contributes to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems through allochthonous inputs of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements. Here, we examine leaf litter nutrient inputs and decomposition associated with four plant species using a mesocosm approach. Native sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus L., and silver cluster–leaf Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. decomposition dynamics were compared to invasive tickberry Lantana camara L. and guava Psidium guajava L., whereby phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, and ammonium releases were quantified over time. Leaf inputs significantly reduced pH, with reductions most marked by invasive L. camara. Conductivity was heightened by all leaf input treatments, except native T. sericea.
Format: 13 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: Water
Relation: Mutshekwa, T., Cuthbert, R.N., Wasserman, R.J., Murungweni, F.M. and Dalu, T., 2020. Nutrient release dynamics associated with native and invasive leaf litter decomposition: a Mesocosm Experiment. Water, 12(9), p.2350
Relation: Water volume 12 number 9 p.2350 July 2020 2073-4441
Rights: Publishers
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the MDPI Open Access Statement (https://www.int-res.com/journals/terms-of-use/)

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Wasserman, Ryan John (Prof)

SDG 15. Life On Land

RU Department of Zoology and Entomology

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