About this Research Topic
Plant litter decomposition is a fundamental process in forest ecosystems, linking the above and belowground. Decomposition of forest plant litter has been studied mainly by using foliar litter, which is a main litter component. One of the other main components are roots (both woody roots and root tips), which have received less attention. In newly shed litter, the more easily degradable compounds are being degraded first, and the more recalcitrant compounds accumulate and have a later influence on the decomposition rate of the whole litter. A consequence is that the rate may decrease, and part of the litter may have a rate low enough for long-term stability, causing a stable litter fraction to accumulate and build a stable humus layer (C sequestration). Nutrient elements change in concentration as decomposition proceeds and may influence the process. Plant litter is chemically complex, with regards to both elements and organic compounds, and these may interact in the decomposition process.
Many published studies investigated the short-term process of litter decomposition, influencing our understanding of rate-regulating factors. Studies on far-reaching decomposition allow us to discover the decreasing decomposition rates, including within the stabilized stage, and the factors regulating these processes. It is even possible that we may find new patterns with new influencing factors. Furthermore, direct descriptions of the decomposition process, including its chemistry, are normally lacking for the main part of the decomposing litter mass. We may still see a lack of systematic goal-oriented work, for example, to determine rate regulating factors/compounds in the decomposition process. An urgent question is the influence of climate relative to litter chemistry, especially for partly decomposed litter. An area which has been given an increasing attraction is the effects of mycorrhizas on decomposition as related to host plant.
This Research Topic aims to collate the latest research on plant litter decomposition with new developments giving us further insights into this basic science. Submissions on the following subjects are encouraged:
• Limiting and rate-regulating factors, in particular for the late stages of decomposition and the stabilized fraction.
• The impact of soil properties on litter decomposition
• Patterns for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus release from forest litter, as related to tree species
• Identifying the interwoven influence of climate and plant litter chemical properties
• The roles and effects of mycorrhiza on plant litter decomposition
Many published studies investigated the short-term process of litter decomposition, influencing our understanding of rate-regulating factors. Studies on far-reaching decomposition allow us to discover the decreasing decomposition rates, including within the stabilized stage, and the factors regulating these processes. It is even possible that we may find new patterns with new influencing factors. Furthermore, direct descriptions of the decomposition process, including its chemistry, are normally lacking for the main part of the decomposing litter mass. We may still see a lack of systematic goal-oriented work, for example, to determine rate regulating factors/compounds in the decomposition process. An urgent question is the influence of climate relative to litter chemistry, especially for partly decomposed litter. An area which has been given an increasing attraction is the effects of mycorrhizas on decomposition as related to host plant.
This Research Topic aims to collate the latest research on plant litter decomposition with new developments giving us further insights into this basic science. Submissions on the following subjects are encouraged:
• Limiting and rate-regulating factors, in particular for the late stages of decomposition and the stabilized fraction.
• The impact of soil properties on litter decomposition
• Patterns for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus release from forest litter, as related to tree species
• Identifying the interwoven influence of climate and plant litter chemical properties
• The roles and effects of mycorrhiza on plant litter decomposition
Keywords: Plant litter, chemical composition, decomposition, mechanisms for decomposition, carbon sequestration
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
