RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Interactions between deciduous and coniferous litter in decomposition processes: Insights from ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analyses
A1 Turrión, María-Belén
A1 Martín Sanz, Ruth C.
A1 Getino Alvarez, Marina
A1 Pando Fernández, Valentín
A1 Lafuente Álvarez, Francisco
K1 Forest floor layer
K1 Mid-infrared spectroscopy
K1 Mixed forests
K1 Pure forests
K1 Tree species composition
K1 Forest species interactions
AB Forest litter decomposition is crucial for carbon and nutrient cycling, especially in mixed broadleaf-coniferousforests. Interactions between different litter types can accelerate or inhibit decomposition, depending on spe-cies composition, microbial activity, and environmental factors. This study examines how litter samples from oak(Quercus sp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) decomposes in pure and mixed stands acrossfour European sites. Samples were collected at different decomposition stages (L, F, and H layers) and analysedfor total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and molecular composition using ATR-FTIR spec-troscopy. A generalized linear mixed model assessed the influence of species identity, forest type, and pineproportion in mixed stands on decomposition and nutrient dynamics. Our results revealed contrasting effects oflitter mixing. Broadleaf litter enhanced pine needle decomposition, particularly in the H layer, likely due tofacilitation. Conversely, broadleaf litter decomposition, specially oak in the F layer, was inhibited in mixedstands. Beech litter degradation remained largely unaffected. ATR-FTIR analysis suggested molecular trans-formations, with increased aromatic compounds and reduced aliphatic groups, especially in mixed stands,though these spectral interpretations carry some uncertainty. These findings highlight the role of speciescomposition in shaping litter decomposition dynamics. While ATR-FTIR provided useful information on chemicalchanges during decomposition, its interpretation should be complemented with other approaches to improveconfidence in functional inferences. Incorporating species-specific responses can inform forest managementstrategies aiming to balance nutrient cycling and long-term carbon sequestration.
PB Elsevier
SN 0378-1127
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/78521
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/78521
LA eng
NO Forest Ecology and Management, 2025, vol. 595, p. 123038
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 09-oct-2025