Global spectra of plant litter carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and returning amounts
Yuan, Ji (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)
Wu, Fuzhong (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)
Peng, Changhui (University of Quebec. Institute of Environment Sciences)
Peñuelas, Josep (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Vallicrosa Pou, Helena (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Sardans i Galobart, Jordi (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Peng, Yan (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)
Wu, Qiqian (Zhejiang A & F University. State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture)
Li, Zimin (Université catholique de Louvain. Earth and Life Institute)
Heděnec, Petr (University Malaysia Terengganu. Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development)
Li, Zhijie (Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH. Institute of Bio- and Geosciences)
Tan, Siyi (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)
Yuan, Chaoxiang (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)
Ni, Xiangyin (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)
Yue, Kai (Fujian Normal University. School of Geographical Sciences)

Date:	2024
Abstract:	Litter decomposition is a key ecological process that determines carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. The initial concentrations of C and nutrients in litter play a critical role in this process, yet the global patterns of litter initial concentrations of C, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are poorly understood. - We employed machine learning with a global database to quantitatively assess the global patterns and drivers of leaf litter initial C, N and P concentrations, as well as their returning amounts (i. e. amounts returned to soils). - The medians of litter C, N and P concentrations were 46. 7, 1. 1, and 0. 1%, respectively, and the medians of litter C, N and P returning amounts were 1. 436, 0. 038 and 0. 004 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively. Soil and climate emerged as the key predictors of leaf litter C, N and P concentrations. Predicted global maps showed that leaf litter N and P concentrations decreased with latitude, while C concentration exhibited an opposite pattern. Additionally, the returning amounts of leaf litter C, N and P all declined from the equator to the poles in both hemispheres. - Synthesis: Our results provide a quantitative assessment of the global concentrations and returning amounts of leaf litter C, N and P, which showed new light on the role of leaf litter in global C and nutrients cycling.
Rights:	Tots els drets reservats.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió acceptada per publicar
Subject:	Carbon cycle ; Global map ; Leaf litter ; Lifeform ; Machine learning ; Mycorrhizal association
Published in:	Journal of Ecology, Vol. 112, issue 4 (April 2024) , p. 717-729, ISSN 1365-2745

DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.14250

Available from: 2025-04-30 Postprint

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > CREAF (Centre de Recerca Ecològica i d'Aplicacions Forestals)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles