International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience (IJPAB)
Year : 2016, Volume : 4, Issue : 1
First page : (24) Last page : (27)
Article doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2213

Dynamics of Litter decomposition: Effect of Antimicrobial features on leaf decomposition

Neslihan Karavin*, Ali Cımık, Zuhal Ural and Esra Erdem
Amasya University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology, Amasya-Turkey
*Corresponding Author E-mail: nnecli@gmail.com
Received: 7.02.2016 | Revised: 15.02.2016 | Accepted: 21.02.2016
Abstract
One of the basic processes in ecosystems is the litter decomposition that performs nutrient cycling. There are several factors effective on decomposition rate. The aim of the study was to determine the variation in litter decomposition rates between pure and mixture litters and the effect of antimicrobial features of litter on decomposition rates. We compared litter decomposition in Malus domestica L. and Populus nigra L. leaves because of their antimicrobial activity. Litter bags were used to examine the decomposition rate and the bags were placed in the same location and exposed to same environmental conditions. The highest decomposition rate was obtained by P. nigra, followed by M. domestica and their mixtures, respectively. We conclude that the differences in decomposition rate between P. nigra and M. domestica may be caused by litter quality and differences in their antimicrobial activity.  

Key words: Litter, decomposition, Malus domestica, Populus nigra, antimicrobial activity 

Full Text : PDF; Journal doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.18782

Cite this article: Karavin, N., Cımık, A., Ural, Z. and Erdem, E., Dynamics of Litter decomposition: Effect of Antimicrobial features on leaf decomposition, Int. J. Pure App. Biosci. 4(1): 24-27 (2016). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2213