Boreal Ecology Article Review: Litter decomposition and nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in peatlands and uplands over 12 years in central Canada

This is a review for the article: "Litter decomposition and nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in peatlands and uplands over 12 years in central Canada".

T.R. Moore is associated with the department of Geography and Global Environmental and Climate Change Centre in McGill University which is located in Montreal, Canada.

This paper describes the 12 year study done to compare the rate of litter decomposition between northern peatlands and uplands, as well as the changes in the percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus in decomposing materials. Higher water table and cooler temperatures in peatlands generally manipulate a slower decomposition rates than uplands; thus, peatlands were found to contain larger amounts of organic litter than uplands, in most areas. The nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics relied on the litter’s initial concentration and the availability of the gases from the surrounding soils;  Tim R. Moore et al states, “decomposition over 12 years has resulted in a general narrowing of the N:{ ratio in the ten litters…this reflects a lowering of the ratio in litters with a high initial ratio and a raising of the ratio in those with a low initial ratio” (323).

Although methods for obtaining measurements were published in another paper, the major strength of this paper is that the litter amount and N:P (nitrogen vs phosphate) levels were recorded with detail and have already been measured for comparison. However, the weakness is that the research should have been broader; measuring the atmospheric pressure (due to latitude and elevation) may have revealed some additional information about decomposition rate; in addition, the study should have clarified the age of the litters used – the decomposition rates may vary according to its age. Nevertheless, this reading has valuable information that can only be gained with 12 years of patience and careful study; it helped me understand that nitrogen and phosphorus levels may not decompose but actually accumulate with time.

This reading has information to help students visualize and understand Boreal forests more thoroughly.  One can learn and understand the logic behind nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation. In my logic, gases should be released as matter decomposes; however, the study reveals that gases can accumulate with decomposition and it may broaden students' knowledge.

Source:
“Litter decomposition and nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in peatlands and uplands over 12 years in central Canada,” Tim R. Moore, J.A. Trofymow, M. Siltanen, L.M. Kozak, 156:317-325, 2008.