Intrinsic nutrients and defensive compounds drive coarse woody debris decay in five dominant subtropical tree species, China
Summary: Coarse woody debris (CWD) is crucial for carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, with decomposition rates influenced by species-specific wood traits. This five-year study in a subtropical Chinese forest evaluated the CWD decomposition of five dominant species. Results showed that...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-07-01
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| Series: | iScience |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004225012222 |
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| Summary: | Summary: Coarse woody debris (CWD) is crucial for carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, with decomposition rates influenced by species-specific wood traits. This five-year study in a subtropical Chinese forest evaluated the CWD decomposition of five dominant species. Results showed that broadleaved species decomposed fastest (k = 0.230 years−1), followed by moso bamboo (0.168 years−1), and conifers slowest (0.022 years−1). Fast-decaying species were characterized by high hemicellulose, cellulose, and phosphorus (P) content, with rapid P release within the first decay year and nitrogen (N) accumulation over time. Tannin initially inhibited decay in fast-decaying species, but defensive compounds (tannins and phenolics) showed no sustained effect on decomposition rates. These findings indicate active CWD decomposition in subtropical forests, where P limitation outweighs N for broadleaves and bamboo. Defensive compounds only weakly influenced early-stage decay. Our results enhance the understanding of deadwood decomposition and carbon sink dynamics in subtropical ecosystems. |
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| ISSN: | 2589-0042 |