Decomposition rate of the litter fall in the course of riparian habitat changes

Disturbances occurring in the riverside forest ecosystems also translate into the ability of litter decomposition. Determination of the litter decomposition rate and the changes in its chemical composition in the course of riparian habitat changes was the aim of the study. The study was conducted in 2011 in Jezierzyca River Valley Landscape Park located partly on a floodplain of Oder river (SW Poland). Two riparian forest habitats (Ficario Ulmetum−minoris) were selected for the study: site L (riparian forest), immediately adjacent to the old river bed and site LZ (drying riparian forest), bordering site L on the edge of the floodplain and adjacent to oak−hornbeam forest (Galio sylvatici−Carpinetum betuli) that constituted site G. The study used the method of litter bags. The research material was collected every quarter except for winter, during 2 years. The decomposition rate of organic matter defined by the loss of organic matter, understood as the difference between the previous and the current state. We analyzed content of total organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in the litter fall. As the result, decomposition occurred the most rapidly in the oak−hornbeam forest community and the slowest in the drying riparian forest. Regardless of the type of forest community rate of decomposition of the fresh organic matter is the highest in winter and spring. The highest content of organic carbon and total nitrogen was observed in the oak−hornbeam forest, slightly lower in the riparian forest, while the lowest in the drying riparian forest. Similarly the content of available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium was presented. Along with the progressive decomposition, examined material had increased Corg and N content, but reduced C/N ratio. In all analyzed forest com− munities were found the release of P, K and Mg in the environment, which was the most intense in spring and summer