Decomposition and temperature sensitivity of fine root and leaf litter of 43 mediterranean species

Abstract Aims Data on the decomposition of fine roots are scarce for Mediterranean basin. This work aims to compare chemical traits, rate, and temperature sensitivity ( Q 10) root leaf litter 43 species. Methods We carried out a two-years litterbag experiment using types incubated in laboratory conditions at three different temperatures, i.e. 4 °C, 14 24 °C. Litter was characterized carbon (C), nitrogen (N), lignin cellulose concentration, C/N, lignin/N ratios. Results Fine had lower N content but higher lignin/N, C/N ratios compared litter. The decay rate slower than For both tissues, negatively associated with positively concentration. 10 litter, positive correlation while negative Conclusions Our findings demonstrate accompanied by ecosystems. These results must be considered modeling organic C ecosystem scale.