Leaf litter decomposition in tropical freshwater swamp forests is slower in swamp than non?swamp conditions

Decomposition is a key ecosystem function, and the rate of decomposition in forests affects their carbon storage potentials. Processes factors determining leaf litter rates dry-land temperate are well understood, but these generally poorly studied tropical wetland forests, especially freshwater swamp (FSF). The home-field advantage (HFA) hypothesis predicts that soil microbes specialize decomposing produced by tree species immediate vicinity. However, empirical support for HFA equivocal, has never been tested highly heterogeneous biodiverse ecosystems FSFs. We collected from non-swamp FSF Singapore monitored plots period eight months. Leaf decomposed 3.7 times more slowly plots. were significantly poorer quality (higher C:N ratio) than those species, this had only weak effect on rates. There was also evidence conditions. Our results show while differ chemical traits, ultimately determined local abiotic conditions, such as hydrology. Additionally, high diversity may prevent decomposer communities specializing any group types thus limit extent observed forests.