Experimental Warming of Typically Acidic and Nutrient-Poor Boreal Soils Does Not Affect Leaf-Litter Decomposition of Temperate Deciduous Tree Species

Ongoing rapid climatic changes are expected to modify the structure, composition, and functioning of forest ecosystems. Studying influence such on biogeochemical processes is thus crucial for a fuller understanding response climate change. In temperate Quebec, Canada, we emulated change by warming acidic, nutrient-poor, dry soils two mixedwoods 3 4 °C using heating cables. Leaf-litter mass loss local red maple, sugar large-tooth aspen, American beech were monitored assess ability these tree species condition boreal in context their northward migration under We hypothesized that decomposition rates all leaf-litter types would be decreased equally due drying effect soil its surface, which detrimental microbial biomass activity. Our results suggest differences between as follows: maple > ≥ = aspen. There was no indication slower turnover marginal compared other studies conducted typical hardwood soils. Moreover, difference litter detected treatments, likely treatment. Results imply has dynamics forest. However, some variables could play an important role not measured (e.g., plant phenology, understory composition density, microbes) thus, uncertainties remain. The also needs further documented modeled. study year characterized significant periods water stress but considered exceptional regard. It relevant test during wet summers verify again our initial hypothesis warming/drying.