Fine-root decomposition and N dynamics in coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A.
DOIAbstract
We examined the effects of species, initial substrate quality, and site differences (including temperature, precipitation,\ud and soil N availability) on fine-root (<2 mm diameter) decomposition in litter bags and its N dynamics in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong) Carrière), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex P. & C. Laws.) forests in Oregon, U.S.A. Species significantly influenced fine-root mass loss during the first 2 years of decomposition. Over the same period, site differences had little impact on decomposition of fine roots. The percentage of initial mass remaining of decomposing fine roots fitted a single-exponential model. The decomposition rate constant (k) for all...
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