Tag: decomposition

Behind the paper

Matthew Krna: Decomposition rates of leaf litter are temperature-independent

In this new post, Matt Krna—then a PhD student at Massey University, New Zealand—discusses his recently published paper in Functional Ecology: Temperature dependency of litter decomposition is not demonstrated under reciprocal transplantation of tussock leaves along an altitudinal gradient. This research follows on from his publication on clarifying carbon sequestration (Krna and Rapson, 2013). In his study of decomposition across a 700 m altitudinal gradient … Continue reading Matthew Krna: Decomposition rates of leaf litter are temperature-independent

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Behind the paper

Sabine Nooten: Ant body size mediates functional performance and species interactions in carrion decomposer communities

In this blog post, Sabine Nooten, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Würzburg, Germany, presents her latest work ‘Ant body size mediates functional performance and species interactions in carrion decomposer communities‘. She highlights the importance of linking species traits to function in the community and ecological process, and discusses the power of field-based experiments in functional ecology. About the paper Ecological processes are driven by … Continue reading Sabine Nooten: Ant body size mediates functional performance and species interactions in carrion decomposer communities

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Behind the paper

Bin Wei: External nitrogen inputs inhibit plant litter decomposition in an alpine steppe

In this new post, Bin Wei, a Ph.D. student from the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, discusses his recently published paper, “Decreased ultraviolet radiation and decomposer biodiversity inhibit litter decomposition under continuous nitrogen inputs.” About the paper Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) inputs could alter key processes in terrestrial ecosystems. Of them, litter decomposition is a key process which functions as the main pathway … Continue reading Bin Wei: External nitrogen inputs inhibit plant litter decomposition in an alpine steppe

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Manuela Abelho
Behind the paper

Manuela Abelho: fallen leaves and feeding streams

Manuela Abelho
Manuela Abelho

The journey is as important as the destination:  autumn-leaves as the main food source for stream communities

In this Insight, Manuela Abelho discusses her recent paper, Litter movement pathways across terrestrial–aquatic ecosystem boundaries affect litter colonization and decomposition in streams.

Continue reading “Manuela Abelho: fallen leaves and feeding streams”
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Behind the paper

Francois-Xavier Joly: decomposition, detritivores and filling in the gaps.

FXJolyDr Francois-Xavier Joly  is a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the University of Stirling, Scotland. He was recently shortlisted for Functional Ecology’s Haldane Prize for Early Career Researchers.

 In this Insight, he talks about his shortlisted paper, Litter conversion into detritivore faeces reshuffles the quality control over C and N dynamics during decomposition, as well the best – and worst – parts of being an ecologist.

Continue reading “Francois-Xavier Joly: decomposition, detritivores and filling in the gaps.”

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Ecologist's Diary

Ecologist’s Diary: In the field for the TeaComposition H2O Initiative 1

I have to confess – I don’t like tea.

Well, maybe herbal tea every once in a while. You know, the ginger and lemongrass type.

However, when out in the field, at 30°C and in knee-deep in mangrove hydrogensulphidemudstink, one begins to appreciate the refreshing aroma of green and rooibos tea. Continue reading “Ecologist’s Diary: In the field for the TeaComposition H2O Initiative 1”

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