Decomposition in Forest Canopies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2004

Abstract

Decomposition is a fundamental ecological process, assuring turnover of organic matter and nutrients from dead organisms, and is a key to understanding ecosystem function and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. As the major source of available nutrients in most terrestrial ecosystems, this process is essential for plant growth and primary production in forests. By cleansing the forest continually of debris, decomposition also provides growing room and substrate for emerging trees and other plants. The breakdown of forest material produces an essential habitat and nutritional resources for a succession of plant and animal species at every stage of decay and is an important factor in soil development. Decomposers and associated organisms represent a wide array of taxonomic and functional groups and can constitute a substantial portion of total ecosystem biodiversity. The decay process in forests is also important in determining how much carbon is stored in ecosystems or transferred to the atmosphere, thereby influencing global climatic trends. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Forest Canopies: Second Edition

First Page

413

Last Page

422

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS