A Warm Tea: The Role of Temperature and Hydroperiod on Litter Decomposition in Temporary Wetlands

Increasing global temperature and changes in the precipitation regime affect carbon cycle by altering process of organic matter decomposition. Temporary aquatic systems are especially susceptible to climate change. We hypothesized that water availability early late stages decomposition litter differently determine rates according type. conducted two experiments using green (Camellia sinensis L.) mint (Mentha piperita tea commercial bags. In laboratory experiment, we incubated bags at contrasting temperatures (4 15°C) three simulated hydroperiods (M: moist, MS: submerged after 14 days, S: submerged). A field experiment was carried out winter spring nine temporary wetlands (meadows) along a gradient (from forest steppe ecosystems) Argentinean Patagonia. Water stimulated leaching soluble substances S treatment conducting factor stages. Temperature advanced stages, both exerted different response depending on mass loss meadows determined hydroperiod condition, spring. Detritus type controlling meadows, but level types, increased Under expected increase decrease precipitations future scenarios, accumulation would be higher meadows.