title: [Effects of snow patches on the release of N and P during foliar litter decomposition in an alpine forest of western Sichuan China].
abstract: A field experiment using litterbags was conducted in an alpine forest of western Sichuan in order to understand the effects of snow patches on the dynamics of N and P during decomposition of six representative species foliar litter in different periods of winter. Net N immobilization during foliar litter decomposition was observed in the whole snow cover season regardless of species. In contrast, P mainly released from foliar litter in the snow cover season, with a rapid rate of P release in the snow melt stage. Thick and moderate snow patches showed higher P release rates, but lower N release rates of foliar litter. The rate of N release was negatively related to daily mean temperature regardless of species, but the rate of P release was positively related to daily mean temperature with the exception of fir needle-litter. The decrease of snow cover in the scenario of global warming could inhibit P release but promote N release from foliar litter decomposition in winter in the alpine forest.
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Xian-Min
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Wan-Qin
authors.initials: WQ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Xiang-Yin
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Ni
authors.forename: Li-Ya
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Han
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Fu-Zhong
authors.initials: FZ
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D065928:Forests; D057232:Global Warming; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D012621:Seasons; D012914:Snow; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; D010758:Phosphorus; D009584:Nitrogen