Гурван зүйл хялганын навчны задралд хүрээлэн буй орчны хүчин зүйлсийн үзүүлэх нөлөө. (Mongolian)

Effects of environmental factors on leaf litter decomposition of three species of Stipa. (English)

Plant litter decomposition plays an important role in carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The influence of abiotic factors on the decomposition of plants in humid ecosystems is higher due to the favorable moisture conditions and the abundance of decomposer microorganisms. However, in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, plant litter decomposition is influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors, depending on sparse plant cover, high soil temperature, and low rainfall. The effects of environmental factors on leaf litter decomposition in arid and semi-arid Mongolian steppes are unclear. A field experiment was carried out in meadow steppe, typical steppe, and desert steppes of Mongolia to investigate the effect of environmental factors such as light-expose, shade, and climate conditions on three species of Stipa (Stipa baicalensis, Stipa grandis, Stipa gobica) representing different litter qualities over a two year of incubation (6, 12, 18 and 24 months). The results of the study revealed that the leaf litter decomposition rate differed among the three species, in which Stipa gobica had a relatively high leaf litter decomposition rate. Also, the rate of leaf decomposition of Stipa gobica was directly and indirectly correlated with leaf traits, while it was positively correlated to climatic conditions (r=0.55). However, for Stipa baicalensis, was negatively correlated to leaf traits (r=-0.56 – -0.63) and on the contrary, Stipa grandis was strongly positively correlated to leaf traits (r=0.68-0.89). Seasonality has an effect on the leaf litter decomposition, with the highest decomposition rate occurring from April to October, while the decomposition rate was very low from November to March. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mongolian Journal of Botany is the property of Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Botanic Garden & Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)