Microbial communities may modify how litter quality affects potential decomposition rates as tree species migrate

Abstract

Background and aims Climate change alters regional plant species distributions, creating new combinations of litter species and soil communities. Biogeographic patterns in microbial communities relate to dissimilarity in microbial community function, meaning novel litters to communities may decompose differently than predicted from their chemical composition. Therefore, the effect of a litter species in the biogeochemical cycle of its current environment may not predict patterns after migration. Under a tree migration sequence we test whether litter quality alone drives litter decomposition, or whether soil communities modify quality effects. Methods Litter and soils were sampled across an elevation gradient of different overstory species where lower elevation species are predicted to migrate upslope. We use a common garden, laboratory microcosm design (soil community x litter environment) with single and mixed-species litters. Results We find significant litter quality and microbial community effects (P 

Citation

Keiser, Ashley D.; Knoepp, Jennifer D.; Bradford, Mark A. 2013. Microbial communities may modify how litter quality affects potential decomposition rates as tree species migrate. Plant and Soil. DOI: 10.1007/s11104-013-1730-0.