Abstract
The litter decomposition process is one of the keys to restoring wetlands after peat mining, because litter decomposition largely determines peat regeneration. We monitored the process on a post-mined peatland in northern Japan from 2020 to 2021 with litter species and the environments (surface temperature, shade and moisture). Litterbag experiments were conducted by two litter species, Moliniopsis japonica and Sphagnum papillosum because the succession was replaced from M. japonica grassland (MJ) to Sphagnum mat (SP). Three environments were developed: unshaded control, black shear net and white net. %C, %N, δ13C and δ15N in the litter were measured with litter mass remaining. Black nets showed lower mean temperatures with smaller variations than white nets. SP showed lower water level and peat moisture than MJ. Litter decomposition was faster in the black nets than in the white nets. These results indicated that litter decomposition was regulated by temperature fluctuation and its related factors, rather than mean temperature. Sphagnum showed a home-field advantage in decomposition, whereas M. japonica did not. δ13C and δ15N were lower and higher in Sphagnum litter than in M. japonica litter, respectively, showing that N and C components differed between litter species. The high δ15N in Sphagnum litter indicated that intracellular N2 fixers contributed to N in the litter. In conclusion, litter decomposition was not faster at higher temperatures and was determined primarily by litter species.
Highlights
Higher temperature did not increase litter decomposition rates in the post-mined wetlands.
Home field advantage was dependent on litter species.
Ecological succession should be considered to understand litter decomposition processes.
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Data Availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on request.
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Acknowledgements
Cordial thanks are due to all members at Course in Biodiversity, GSES, HU, for various assistance. Stable isotopes were measured by the isotope mass spectrometer under the management of the Large Experimental Equipment Management Committee, GSEES, HU. The Ministry of the Environment of Japan and Toyotomi Town Office have provided permission and support for this study.
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This work is partly supported by the grants from Ministry of Science, Education, and Culture of Japan (MEXT), and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
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Nakanishi, R., Tsuyuzaki, S. Litter Decomposition Rates in a Post-mined Peatland: Determining Factors Studied in Litterbag Experiments. Environ. Process. 11, 2 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-024-00679-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-024-00679-6