Interactive plant functional group and water table effects on decomposition and extracellular enzyme activity in Sphagnum peatlands

• Published in: Soil biology & biochemistry Vol. 108; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Wiedermann, Magdalena M., Kane, Evan S., Potvin, Lynette R., Lilleskov, Erik A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2017
• Subjects: bags; cellulose; chitinase; Climate change; Cyperaceae; enzyme activity; Ericaceae; Ericoid mycorrhizae; Extracellular enzymes; peat; peatlands; plant tissues; Saprotroph; Sphagnum; Vegetation composition; water table; Wetlands; Climate change; Saprotroph; Extracellular enzymes; Vegetation composition; Ericoid mycorrhizae; Wetlands

Peatland decomposition may be altered by hydrology and plant functional groups (PFGs), but exactly how the latter influences decomposition is unclear, as are potential interactions of these factors. We used a factorial mesocosm experiment with intact 1 m3 peat monoliths to explore how PFGs (sedges v...