Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Shedding Light On Plant Litter Decomposition: Advances, Implications And New Directions In Understanding The Role Of Photodegradation, Jennifer Y. King, Leslie A. Brandt, E. Carol Adair
Shedding Light On Plant Litter Decomposition: Advances, Implications And New Directions In Understanding The Role Of Photodegradation, Jennifer Y. King, Leslie A. Brandt, E. Carol Adair
Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Faculty Publications
Litter decomposition contributes to one of the largest fluxes of carbon (C) in the terrestrial biosphere and is a primary control on nutrient cycling. The inability of models using climate and litter chemistry to predict decomposition in dry environments has stimulated investigation of non-traditional drivers of decomposition, including photodegradation, the abiotic decomposition of organic matter via exposure to solar radiation. Recent work in this developing field shows that photodegradation may substantially influence terrestrial C fluxes, including abiotic production of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Research has also produced contradictory results regarding controls on …