Litterfall (LF) is the major contributor to aboveground necromass in ecosystems. Litter decomposition or litter decay (LD) then offsets deposition LF, with balance of LF and LD determining standing (SL). SL together fine coarse woody debris (FWD, CWD) are largest pools. The interactions SL, at continental scales reflect carbon nutrient cycling other ecosystem processes. We compiled data on leaf...

Nitrogen deposition is projected to increase rapidly in tropical ecosystems, but changes in soil-N-cycling processes in tropical ecosystems under elevated N input are less well understood. We used N-addition experiments to achieve N-enriched conditions in mixed-species, lowland and montane forests in Panama. Our objectives were to (1) assess changes in soil mineral N production (gross rates of ...

Seasonal trends in littertall and potential mineral return were studied in two cork-oak forest sites in the northeastern Iberian peninsula. The estimated average litter production was 3.9 Mg.ha -1 .year for one site and 4.6 Mg.ha -1 .year for the other; these figures are similar to those reported for holm-oak (Quercus ilex) forests in the same area. Seasonal litterfall patterns were typical of ...