Ecosystem properties and forest decline in contrasting long-term chronosequences
Wardle DA, Walker LR, Bardgett RD. 2004. Ecosystem properties and forest decline in contrasting long-term chronosequences. Science. 305(5683):509-513
During succession, ecosystem development occurs but in the long-term absence of catastrophic disturbance a decline phase eventually follows. We studied six long-term chronosequences, in Australia, Sweden, Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand; for each, the decline phase was associated with a reduction in tree basal area and an increase in the substrate nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, indicating increasing phosphorous limitation over time. These changes were often associated with reductions of litter decomposition rates, phosphorous release from litter, and biomass and activity of decomposer microbes. Our findings suggest that the maximal biomass phase reached during succession cannot be maintained in the long-term absence of major disturbance, and that similar patterns of decline occur for forested ecosystems spanning the tropical, temperate and boreal zones.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Wardle, D; Walker, L; Bardgett, R
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKN , CAKR , DENA , GAAR , GLBA , KLGO , KOVA , NOAT , SITK , WRST , YUCH , SEAN
- Keywords
- Chronosequence, Climate Change, Community Ecology, disturbance (natural), Ecology (Terrestrial), Plant Communities, Succession, Vegetation, Vegetation succession