Consequences of non-random species loss for decomposition dynamics: Experimental evidence for additive and non-additive effects

Becky A. Ball; Mark D. Hunter; John S. Kominoski; Christopher M. Swan; Mark A. Bradford

Treesearch

Consequences of non-random species loss for decomposition dynamics: Experimental evidence for additive and non-additive effects

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Becky A. Ball, Mark D. Hunter, John S. Kominoski, Christopher M. Swan, Mark A. Bradford

Year:

2008

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Journal of Ecology 2008, 96, 303-313

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Abstract

Although litter decomposition is a fundamental ecological process, most of our understanding comes from studies of single-species decay. Recently, litter-mixing studies have tested whether monoculture data can be applied to mixed-litter systems. These studies have mainly attempted to detect non-additive effects of litter mixing, which address potential consequences of random species loss the focus is not on which species are lost, but the decline in diversity per se.

Keywords

biodiversity, decomposition, ecosystem function, litter mixtures, litter quality, non-random species loss, random species loss, species composition, species diversity

Citation

Ball, Becky A.; Hunter, Mark D.; Kominoski, John S.; Swan, Christopher M.; Bradford, Mark A. 2008. Consequences of non-random species loss for decomposition dynamics: Experimental evidence for additive and non-additive effects. Journal of Ecology 2008, 96, 303-313