Temperature dependency of litter decomposition is not demonstrated under reciprocal transplantation of tussock leaves along an altitudinal gradient

Decomposition rates are an important component of carbon sequestration in soils, potentially mitigating future climate change. Here we aim to better understand decomposition's relationship with temperature natural conditions. In snow-tussock grassland dominated by Chionochloa rubra on Mount Tongariro, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, measured decomposition leaf litter along ≈ 700 m altitudinal gradient, as a space-for-temperature experiment, representing 4.2°C warming. We examined full reciprocal translocation bags between eight plots both the origin types and destinations plating out bags, over 4 years using six replicates, modelled their relationships environmental variates. Litter decomposed progressively time, but at same rate gradient. There was no home-field advantage. terms quality, were related only lignin, or fibre N. Only Year 4, that when organised destination, showed mean annual jointly soil C, this weak implausible. When studied across transplant, there significant interactions Origin Destination data without Years. Therefore from each plot other plots' all altitudes, allowing for small, often irregular differences quality micro-environment. Despite few differences, show plausible trends our altitude-for-temperature substitution. suggest may be universal finding, except perhaps under different moisture regimes. Thus, projected warming scenarios, changes will not directly affect rates, cannot influence C nature. Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.