Disturbance reduces fungal white‐rot litter mat cover in a wet subtropical forest

Abstract Fungi that bind leaf litter into mats and produce white‐rot via degradation of lignin other aromatic compounds influence forest nutrient cycling soil fertility. Extent formed by basidiomycete fungi in Puerto Rico decreased response to disturbances—a simulated hurricane treatment executed canopy trimming debris addition 2014, a drought 2015, treefall, two hurricanes 10 days apart September 2017. Percent fungal mat cover ranged from 0.4% after Hurricanes Irma Maria high 53% with undisturbed prior the 2017 hurricanes, means mostly between 10% 45% forest. Drought both treatments, except one control plot dominated drought‐resistant fungus, Marasmius crinis‐equi . sharply declined treatment. Solar radiation was significantly inversely correlated relative humidity (RH) percent within each four climatic seasons. also directly month litterfall, while RH moderately throughfall, rain, wetness. However, rainfall cover, possibly due erosion or saturation during events. Canopy opening reduced fall but these variables were not winter. The main factor inhibiting likely lower moisture associated increased solar secondary green litterfall may have contributed. Although higher increases under closed canopy, changes environmental factors apparently had stronger inhibitory effect following disturbances. tolerance some species provided resilience drought.