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Leaf litter processing rates in a Kenyan highland stream, the Njoro River

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Abstract

Mass loss of leaf litter from five common riparian trees in Kenya was determined using mesh bags over a 70-day period. The study was carried out in a river which previous research has shown to be apparently devoid of invertebrate shredders. There was a five fold difference between the most rapid and slowest decay rates, but all were within the fast range identified from temperate zone trees, demonstrating high rates of microbial activity. We conclude, therefore, that the low biomass of invertebrate shredders in Kenyan highland streams cannot be explained by poor quality of the leaf litter that enters them.

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Author notes

  1. Fidensio K. Ndegwa

    Present address: Centre for Complementary Medicine and Biotechnology (CCMB), Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester St., Manchester, M1 5GD, U.K

    Michael Dobson

  2. Department of Zoology, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya

    Jude M. Mathooko, Fidensio K. Ndegwa & Charles M’Erimba

Authors
  1. Michael Dobson
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  2. Jude M. Mathooko
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  3. Fidensio K. Ndegwa
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  4. Charles M’Erimba
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Dobson, M., Mathooko, J.M., Ndegwa, F.K. et al. Leaf litter processing rates in a Kenyan highland stream, the Njoro River. Hydrobiologia 519, 207–210 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:HYDR.0000026592.50734.ea

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:HYDR.0000026592.50734.ea

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