Arctic shrub expansion generates regional variation in litter decomposition by altering litter quality and the decomposition environment DOI Creative Commons
Justin T. Vozzo, Weile Chen, Jennifer M. Fraterrigo

et al.

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 30, 2025

Abstract The expansion of deciduous shrubs into the graminoid‐dominated arctic tundra is expected to alter litter decomposition by changing quality and local abiotic biotic conditions. However, it remains unclear how shrub will affect at regional scales, where macroclimate be dominant regulator decomposition. To determine relative influence controls on patterns mass loss nitrogen release, we conducted two hierarchical experiments across spatial scales. We decomposed leaf root from a prominent graminoid ( Eriophorum vaginatum ) three genera Betula , Alnus Salix for 1 year within replicated plots five sites spanning 160 km latitudinal gradient in northern Alaska. Using as substrate, found that was primary but had opposing effects litter. As summer temperature increased along (11.9 13.9°C), 20% whereas decreased 33%. Leaf release also with temperature. Conversely, controlled vegetation type environment. different litters substrates, its interaction soil microclimate Overall, faster than litter, losing 53% more 190% all environments. For however, varied genus, less . Our findings demonstrate Arctic can regulate scale through controls, primarily quality. Ongoing increases cover are likely accelerate turnover carbon pools ecosystems. Therefore, including shrub‐related processes Earth system models improve our ability predict regional‐scale nutrient cycling warming Arctic. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

Arctic shrub expansion generates regional variation in litter decomposition by altering litter quality and the decomposition environment DOI Creative Commons
Justin T. Vozzo, Weile Chen, Jennifer M. Fraterrigo

et al.

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 30, 2025

Abstract The expansion of deciduous shrubs into the graminoid‐dominated arctic tundra is expected to alter litter decomposition by changing quality and local abiotic biotic conditions. However, it remains unclear how shrub will affect at regional scales, where macroclimate be dominant regulator decomposition. To determine relative influence controls on patterns mass loss nitrogen release, we conducted two hierarchical experiments across spatial scales. We decomposed leaf root from a prominent graminoid ( Eriophorum vaginatum ) three genera Betula , Alnus Salix for 1 year within replicated plots five sites spanning 160 km latitudinal gradient in northern Alaska. Using as substrate, found that was primary but had opposing effects litter. As summer temperature increased along (11.9 13.9°C), 20% whereas decreased 33%. Leaf release also with temperature. Conversely, controlled vegetation type environment. different litters substrates, its interaction soil microclimate Overall, faster than litter, losing 53% more 190% all environments. For however, varied genus, less . Our findings demonstrate Arctic can regulate scale through controls, primarily quality. Ongoing increases cover are likely accelerate turnover carbon pools ecosystems. Therefore, including shrub‐related processes Earth system models improve our ability predict regional‐scale nutrient cycling warming Arctic. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

Citations

0