INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF DETRITIVORES (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA) ON LEAF PROCESSING RATES

The effects of detritivores on the rate of leaf processing rates on the three tree-species were estimated in laboratory conditions using four species of woodlice (Crustacea: Isopoda). The results show significant differences between break down rates of leaf litter from different tree-species irrespective of detritivore combination in species richness one (p<0.001), two (p<0.001) and three (p<0.001). A.glutinosa and A.pseudoplantanus had the greatest effect on break down rates (Tukey test p<0.001). Also the results indicate there is a significant effect on leaf mass loss between woodlice identity regardless of tree-species in species richness one (p<0.001), two (p<0.001) and three (p<0.001). P.muscorum had the greatest effect on leaf mass loss in all species richness tested (Turkey test p<0.05), whether as a single species or in combination; suggesting that P.muscorum might be acting as a 'keystone processor species' . On the other hand, under stressful environmental or nutritional conditions P.muscorum is known to trade-off reproduction for growth. A.depressum had the smallest effect on leaf mass loss, trading growth for reproduction. There was a significant difference between woodlice identity and tree species in the rate of leaf processing in species richness one (p<0.001), two (p<0.001) and three (p