Simple three-pool model accurately describes patterns of long-term litter decomposition in diverse climates

Abstract

As atmospheric CO² increases, ecosystem carbon sequestration will largely depend on how global changes in climate will alter the balance between net primary production and decomposition. The response of primary production to climatic change has been examined using well-validated mechanistic models, but the same is not true for decomposition, a primary source of atmospheric CO². We used the Long-term Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team (LIDET) dataset and model-selection techniques to choose and parameterize a model that describes global patterns of litter decomposition.

Keywords

cellulose, climate decomposition index, fine root, leaf, LIDET, lignin, litter quality, Q10 function

Citation

Adair, E. Carol; Parton, William J.; Del Grosso, Steven J.; Silver, Shendee L.; Harmon, Mark E.; Hall, Sonia A.; Burke, Ingrid C.; Hart, Stephen C. 2008. Simple three-pool model accurately describes patterns of long-term litter decomposition in diverse climates. Global Change Biology. 14: 2636-2660.