Organic litter dynamics in headwater streams draining contrasting land uses

Abstract Climate change could alter fluxes of organic matter and macronutrients through freshwater ecosystems potentially affecting stream organisms. However, riparian controls on litter dynamics offer an opportunity to adapt headwaters climate by protecting or restoring vegetation. We assessed how land cover climatic variability affected the supply, retention downstream transport particulate (POM) in headwaters—the most extensive small water bodies temperate landscapes. Leaf inputs, benthic stocks suspended were measured nominally monthly second–third-order streams draining broadleaf woodland, conifer, acid moorland circumneutral over four years with varying discharge. Streams woodland received more leaf from zone than conifer transported higher concentrations CPOM FPOM at base flows. Broadleaf sites had stocks, even after hydrological events that reduced sites. In contrast, reflected conditions irrespective cover. These results show some fractions are sensitive conditions, illustrating wetter climates will influence exports. Nevertheless, broadleaves have potential offset effects processing replenishment CPOM.