Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.soilbio.2009.11.031
Title (Primary) "Afterlife" effects of mycorrhization on the decomposition of plant residues
Author Schädler, M.; Brandl, R.; Kempel, A.
Source Titel Soil Biology & Biochemistry
Year 2010
Department BZF
Volume 42
Issue 3
Page From 512
Page To 523
Language englisch
Keywords Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Herbaceous plants; Decomposition; Litter bag experiment; Litter quality
Abstract The symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is known to affect growth and tissue quality of plants. Therefore, mycorrhization may also have "afterlife" effects on decomposition dynamics. We tested this hypothesis with plant material of mycorrhized and non-mycorrhized plants of seven grassland species. We found that mycorrhization increased the decomposition rate and interpret this result as a consequence of the enhanced nutritive status of the plant tissue with positive effects on decomposer activity. The turn-over of organic matter and nutrients in ecosystems may therefore be indirectly influenced by the symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=10461
Schädler, M., Brandl, R., Kempel, A. (2010):
"Afterlife" effects of mycorrhization on the decomposition of plant residues
Soil Biol. Biochem. 42 (3), 512 - 523 10.1016/j.soilbio.2009.11.031