Validation and extension of the Tea Bag Index to collect decomposition data from termite-rich ecosystems

摘要

The Tea Bag Index (TBI) is a standardised and cheap method to quantify microbial-driven decomposition by measuring the mass loss of tea within tea bags. Termites are known to damage the bags to access the content, rendering the method less suitable for termite-rich ecosystems. Extension of the TBI to accommodate and incorporate the influence of termites would broaden its applicability to include termite-rich ecosystems, such as tropical forests.