Effects of fire frequency on oak litter decomposition and nitrogen dynamics.
Fire can alter a multitude of ecosystem properties that have the potential to affect rates of litter decomposition and nitrogen dynamics. In this study, we examined the effect of long-term variation in fire frequency in Minnesota oak savanna on rates of litter mass loss of a common tree species (Quercus ellipsoidalis) to determine how site and intraspecific litter characteristics impacted by variation in fire frequency affect rates of decomposition, litter N dynamics, and litter microbial biomass. Although an increase in fire frequency resulted in higher litter temperatures, lower litter moisture, and decreased soil N and P availability, site characteristics had no net effect on rates of mass loss. Rather, litter C:N ratio, which increased with increased fire frequency, was the dominant predictor of rates of decomposition and litter N dynamics. Increased litter C:N led to decreased rates of decomposition and N immobilization, regardless of the characteristics of the site of decomposition. Therefore, it is the indirect effects of long-term variation in fire frequency on litter characteristics rather than fire's direct effects on site characteristics that determine fire effects on decomposition and N dynamics in this system. Slower rates of decomposition and increased N immobilization of litter produced in frequently burned sites may enhance fire-induced N losses, further decelerating rates of N cycling in frequently burned sites.
Biology Department, Hamline University, Saint Paul, MN, USA. dhernandez01@hamline.edu
Daniel L
DL
Hernández
Sarah E
SE
Hobbie
D017753:Ecosystem; D005390:Fires; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D029963:Quercus / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012988:Soil Microbiology
D012987:Soil; D009584:Nitrogen