m ~ m w . regeneration and alters forest community structure in southern Appalachian p=A, hardwood forests. Using paired plots and reciprocal litter transplants in forests Polyphenol oxidase; with and without R. maximum cover, we examined the influence of R. maximum on Protease; Leaf litter litter mass and quality, N cycling and soil extracellular enzymes. Standing stocks of soil organic matter...

Abundant secondary metabolites, such as condensed tannins, and their interpopulation genotypic variation can remain through plant leaf senescence and affect litter decomposition. Whether the intrapopulation genotypic variation of a more diverse assortment of secondary metabolites equally persists through leaf senescence and litter decomposition is not well understood. We analyzed concentrations...

In high-latitude ecosystems climate change induced plant community shifts towards dominance of shrubs and trees will potentially have large consequences for soil carbon dynamics. Changes in the litter layer due to an altered quantity and quality of litter input, or by its indirect effect on microclimatic conditions, might affect the decomposer community. To be able to predict the effects of inc...

Plant genetic variation and herbivores can both influence ecosystem functioning by affecting the quantity and quality of leaf litter. Few studies have, however, investigated the effects of herbivore load on litter decomposition at plant genotype level. We reduced insect herbivory using an insecticide on one half of field-grown Betula Pendula saplings of 17 genotypes, representing random intrapo...