Overview

This fully revised and updated 2nd edition of Plant Litter focuses on decomposition processes in natural terrestrial systems such as boreal and temperate forests. The availability of several long-term studies from these forest types allows a more in-depth approach to the later stages of decomposition as well as to humus formation. It further briefly explores how processes are modified due to anthropogenic influences. Earlier findings are re-evaluated in light of recent research.

Full Product Details

Author:   Bjorn Berg ,  Charles McClaugherty
Publisher:   Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG
Imprint:   Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
Edition:   Softcover reprint of hardcover 2nd ed. 2008
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.80cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.539kg
ISBN:  

9783642094323

ISBN 10:   3642094325
Pages:   354
Publication Date:   19 October 2010
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Introduction.- Decomposition as a process.- Decomposer organisms.- Initial litter chemical composition.- Changes in substrate composition during decomposition.- Chemical constituents as rate-regulating: initial variation and changes during decomposition.- Climatic environment.- Influence of soil and plant community factors.- Decomposition of fine root and woody litter.- Models that describe litter decomposition.- Decomposition and ecosystem function.- Human activities that influence decomposition.- Estimating carbon sequestration rates on a regional scale.- Appendix I. Glossary.- Appendix II. Scientific names of vascular plants.- Appendix III. Site descriptions.- Appendix IV. A data base for litter chemical composition, and limit values for decomposition - Delila.-

Reviews

From the reviews: The authors of the volume 'Plant Litter' present an up-to-date and interesting contribution ! . The book is well arranged, relatively easy to read, contains fantastic graphics ! . this fundamental and rather detailed book is an absolutely necessary resource about transformation and decomposition of plant litter ... . In summary, we strongly recommend this book for all scientists concerned with ! plant litter ! . The authors can be congratulated for their impressive efforts in publishing this highly professional volume. (Oliver Bens, Reinhard F. Huttl, Journal of Plant Physiology, Vol. 161, 2004) The work of Berg and Mc Claugerthy resumes the state of the art concerning litter decomposition mainly in boreal forests but also in a few temperate situations. ! this book is a remarkable synthesis of the current knowledge about the decomposition of plant residues in forest ecosystems. ! This book is well structured and gives a comprehensive overview about the process of litter decompositions and it is a well written synthesis of the enormous work done by B.Berg during the last two decades. (Bernd Zeller, Annals of Forest Science, Issue 2, 2004)

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