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Leaf Decomposition in Streams

Leaf Decomposition in Streams. Terrestrial leaf litter is an important nutrient source in streams. Leaf Decomposition. 1) Leaves become waterlogged and sink. May lose up to 42% mass to leaching. 2) Colonization by bacteria and fungi begins almost immediately. Leaf Decomposition.

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Leaf Decomposition in Streams

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  1. Leaf Decomposition in Streams

  2. Terrestrial leaf litter is an important nutrient source in streams

  3. Leaf Decomposition • 1) Leaves become waterlogged and sink. May lose up to 42% mass to leaching. 2) Colonization by bacteria and fungi begins almost immediately.

  4. Leaf Decomposition 3) Colonized by shredders (eat CPOM). Shredders convert CPOM to FPOM. Grazers eat algae and diatoms (FPOM). Crayfish Amphipod Crane fly Snail Water penny Diatoms

  5. Leaf Decomposition Mayfly • 4) Collector-gatherers (eat FPOM). • 5) Collector-filterers (eat FPOM). Bacteria and fungi continue to break down CPOM and FPOM. Midge Black fly Caddisfly

  6. Predators eat other invertebrates Hellgrammite Dragonfly Damselfly

  7. Purpose of this lab •  Question 1: Does presence of macroinvertebrates accelerate leaf decomposition?

  8. Purpose of this lab • Question 2: Do leaves containing more carbon degrade more slowly? • Cellulose and lignin are resistant to decomposition.

  9. Methods •  Prepare coarse-mesh maple, coarse-mesh oak, fine-mesh maple, and fine-mesh oak bags. • Place and secure bags in stream/pond. • Remove bags after ~1 month. • Rinse macroinvertebrates from leaves and allow leaves to dry. • Weigh and estimate leaf material lost. • Count macroinvertebrates and sort according to functional feeding groups.

  10. Black fly (Collector-filterer)

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