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HERO ID
3857499
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Effect of N addition on home-field advantage of litter decomposition in subtropical forests
Author(s)
Lin, H; He, Z; Hao, J; Tian, K; Jia, X; Kong, X; Akbar, S; Bei, Z; Tian, X
Year
2017
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Forest Ecology and Management
ISSN:
0378-1127
Volume
398
Page Numbers
216-225
Language
English
DOI
10.1016/j.foreco.2017.05.015
Web of Science Id
WOS:000403733100019
Abstract
The 'home-field advantage' (HFA) postulates that litter decompose faster in its home habitat than in other habitats. However, the HFA of litter decomposition appears to be highly variable, and the effects of environmental conditions on HFA have rarely been investigated. Thus, in this study, we performed a reciprocal litter transplant experiment using coarse and fine mesh litterbags under nitrogen (N) addition treatments in a subtropical coniferous forest dominated by Pinus massoniana and a broad-leaved forest dominated by Quercus variabilis. Results showed no significant difference in decomposition between the two dominant litters in the fine-mesh litterbags at home and away habitats under control and N addition plots. P. massoniana litter in the coarse-mesh litterbags decomposed twice as fast at home than in away habitats under N addition. The result suggests a positive HFA effect in the coniferous forest under N addition, but no significant HFA effect was observed in the control plots. N addition did not enhance Q variabilis litter decomposition in the home habitat. The positive HFA effect of P. massoniana litter in the coarse-mesh litterbags in N addition plots was associated with more abundant soil fauna than in the control plots. However, N addition had no significant effect on the activity of most soil enzyme during litter decomposition. Moreover, soil microbial biomass showed no relationship with the HFA of litter decomposition. Our findings suggest that N addition likely enhances the feeding activity of soil fauna by increasing fauna abundance. This further reinforces the habitat specificity of soil mesofauna in coniferous forests, resulting in a positive HFA of P. massoniana litter decomposition, C and N cycling in coniferous forest may be enhanced by N addition, and coniferous forest management should be suitable for this change. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Home-field advantage; Litter decomposition; Subtropical forests; Specialization; Nitrogen cycling
Tags
NAAQS
•
ISA NOxSOxPM Ecology (2018)
Cited in the Second Draft
Appendix 6
•
ISA NOxSOxPM Ecology (2020- Final Project Page)
Cited
Appendix 6
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