Effects of mesh bag enclosure and termites on fine woody debris decomposition in a subtropical forest

Allison M. Stoklosa; Michael Ulyshen; Zhaofei Fan; Morgan Varner; Sebastian Seibold; Jorg Muller

doi:10.1016/j.baae.2016.03.001

Treesearch

Effects of mesh bag enclosure and termites on fine woody debris decomposition in a subtropical forest

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Allison M. Stoklosa, Michael Ulyshen, Zhaofei Fan, Morgan Varner, Sebastian Seibold, Jorg Muller

Year:

2016

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2016.03.001

Source:

Basic and Applied Ecology

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Abstract

The role of insects in terrestrial decomposition remains poorly resolved, particularly for infrequently studied substrates like small diameter woody debris. Uncertainty about how mesh bags used to exclude arthropods may affect decomposition rates continues to impede progress in this area. We sought to (1) measure how insects affect the decomposition of small diameter tweigs and (2) test for unintended effects of mesh bags on wood decomposition using machined wooden dowels of similar size and specific gravity.

Keywords

Termites, fine woody debris, wood decomposition

Citation

Stoklosa, Allison M.; Ulyshen, Michael D.; Fan, Zhaofei; Varner, Morgan; Seibold, Sebastian; Muller, Jorg. 2016. Effects of mesh bag enclosure and termites on fine woody debris decomposition in a subtropical forest. Basic and Applied Ecology, Vol. 17(5): 8 pages.: 463-470 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2016.03.001