Kourtev, P.S. and Ehrenfeld, J.G. and
Huang, W.Z. (2002). Enzyme activities during litter
decomposition of two exotic and two native plant species
in hardwood forests of New Jersey. Soil Biol. &
Biochem., 34: 1207-1218.
Invasions by exotic plant species can alter ecosystem
properties, including important soil functions and
characteristics. As a result, decomposition of litter from
the exotic, as well as native plants, can also be altered,
leading to more profound changes in ecosystem
functioning. We present here a study of eight enzyme
activities during the decomposition of litter from four
plant species, two of which are successful exotic invaders
in Northeastern USA deciduous forests. The four studied
species are: Japanese barberry (exotic), Japanese stilt
grass (exotic), chestnut oak (native) and black birch
(native). We measured enzyme activities in the decomposing
litter at two locations (exotics infested and native
vegetation) in two parks in Northeastern New Jersey. In
the first 2 years of decomposition, patterns of enzyme
activites changed significantly among the four types of
litter, however, they were not affected by the location
(exotic/native) where decomposition was taking place. Our
results clearly show that litter chemistry and site
characteristics are strong determinants of enzyme activity
in decomposing litter. The microbial community in the
litter quickly adapted to the differences in litter
chemistry, as patterns of enzyme activity in decomposing
litter from the two exotic species were virtually
indistinguishable between exotic and native locations.
Close