Slow-cycle effects of foliar herbivory alter the nitrogen acquisition and population size of Collembola

Mark A. Bradford; Tara Gancos; Christopher J. Frost

Treesearch

Slow-cycle effects of foliar herbivory alter the nitrogen acquisition and population size of Collembola

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Mark A. Bradford, Tara Gancos, Christopher J. Frost

Year:

2008

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Soil Biology & Biochemistry

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Abstract

In terrestrial systems there is a close relationship between litter quality and the activity and abundance of decomposers. Therefore, the potential exists for aboveground, herbivore-induced changes in foliar chemistry to affect soil decomposer fauna. These herbivore-induced changes in chemistry may persist across growing seasons. While the impacts of such slow-cycle, 'legacy' effects of foliar herbivory have some support aboveground, such impacts have not been evaluated for soil invertebrates. Here, we investigate legacy effects on Collembola population structure and nitrogen acquisition.

Keywords

Soil fauna, Decomposition, Greenfall, Aboveground, Belowground, Litter quality, Nitrogen mineralisation, Nitrogen immobilisation

Citation

Bradford, Mark A.; Gancos, Tara; Frost, Christopher J. 2008. Slow-cycle effects of foliar herbivory alter the nitrogen acquisition and population size of Collembola. Soil Biology & Biochemistry