Effects of Thinning on Litterfall Production and Leaf Litter Decomposition Rates of Karacabey Forested Wetlands, Bursa, Türkiye

The contribution of litterfall (dead leaves, twigs, etc., fallen to the ground) and forest floor (organic residues such as in various stages decomposition, on top mineral soil) is fundamental both ecosystem sustainability soil greenhouse gases (GHG) exchange system with atmosphere. A focus forested wetlands particularly important, these systems account for a disproportionate amount global carbon flux relative their spatial coverage, decomposition leaf litter major contributor. In this study, we aimed investigate effects two different thinning treatments (low thinning-canopy closure 41-70% intense 10-40%) litterfall, rates alder (Alnus glutinosa) stands Karacabey wetlands. was monthly collected using open traps 2 years from 2021 2022. also sampled 50 x cm2 quadrates 5 points research plots 20×20 m. differences between low were investigated litterbag method field 18 months. results indicated that significantly reduced total production (7.24 ± 0.384 Mg ha-1) (2.78 0.41 compared stand (10.8 0.527 ha-1 (4.38 0.82 respectively). Lower seen than lower stands. At end months, mass loss 83.6% (88.3%).