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Background and Aims <p>Litter decomposition is an essential biogeochemical process for nutrient cycling and represents an important component of global carbon fluxes. We aimed to examine leaf decomposition rates of broadleaf (<i>Quercus mongolica</i>) and conifer tree species (<i>Pinus densiflora</i><i>, </i><i>Pinus koraiensis,</i> and <i>Larix kaempferi</i>) in relation to initial traits and microbiota. We also investigated the correlation between leaf and root decay rates across different species and root diameter classes.</p> Methods <p>A 359-day litterbag decomposition experiment was conducted from December 5, 2022, to November 29, 2023. Initial leaf chemical traits (C, N, C:N, P, K, Mg, Ca, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) and specific leaf area were determined. Organic soil (fermented and humic horizons) was sampled to analyze microbial communities. Further, we compared leaf decay with root decay data provided by a previous study.</p> Results <p>Leaf decomposition rates did not differ significantly among species, and leaf and root decomposition were not correlated. However, when both leaf and root litter were analyzed together, analyses revealed significant effects of litter type, species, and their interaction on <i>k</i>-values. In addition, several initial traits and microbial genera influenced <i>k</i>-values.</p> Conclusion <p>The lack of correlation between leaf and root decay, together with the significant effects of litter type, species, and their interaction, suggests that leaf and root decomposition dynamics are species-specific rather than governed by a generalized relationship. Our results also support that litter quality and microorganisms are key determinants of decomposition. This study provides important insights into litter decomposition and highlights the complexity of decomposition processes.</p>

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Leaf decomposition across broadleaf and conifer tree species in South Korea and its relation to root decay: effects of initial traits and microbiota

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月1日

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  • Julia Inacio Carvalho,
  • Ji Young An,
  • Lan Thi Ngoc Tran,
  • Mark Bryan Carayugan,
  • Woo Bin Youn,
  • Byung Bae Park

摘要

Background and Aims

Litter decomposition is an essential biogeochemical process for nutrient cycling and represents an important component of global carbon fluxes. We aimed to examine leaf decomposition rates of broadleaf (Quercus mongolica) and conifer tree species (Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, and Larix kaempferi) in relation to initial traits and microbiota. We also investigated the correlation between leaf and root decay rates across different species and root diameter classes.

Methods

A 359-day litterbag decomposition experiment was conducted from December 5, 2022, to November 29, 2023. Initial leaf chemical traits (C, N, C:N, P, K, Mg, Ca, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) and specific leaf area were determined. Organic soil (fermented and humic horizons) was sampled to analyze microbial communities. Further, we compared leaf decay with root decay data provided by a previous study.

Results

Leaf decomposition rates did not differ significantly among species, and leaf and root decomposition were not correlated. However, when both leaf and root litter were analyzed together, analyses revealed significant effects of litter type, species, and their interaction on k-values. In addition, several initial traits and microbial genera influenced k-values.

Conclusion

The lack of correlation between leaf and root decay, together with the significant effects of litter type, species, and their interaction, suggests that leaf and root decomposition dynamics are species-specific rather than governed by a generalized relationship. Our results also support that litter quality and microorganisms are key determinants of decomposition. This study provides important insights into litter decomposition and highlights the complexity of decomposition processes.