Leaf-litter decomposition in Amazonian forest fragments.

摘要

The differences in rates of decomposition according to edge distance and fragment size were assessed through direct measurement of weight loss from litterbags and an indirect calculation of decomposition from the ratio of litterfall and litter standing crop. The study was conducted in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Data from the litterbag experiment showed that after a year, 90.8% (range 80-100%) of the original leaf material contained in the litterbags had decomposed. The single exponential model used to explain the temporal dynamics of litter decay fitted the data well, explaining 59-96% of the data variation. Similar results were obtained when decomposition rates were determined by calculation of litterfall:litter standing crop ratios. Results revealed no differences in decomposition rates according to fragment area or edge distance..