Effects of leaf litter decomposition on bacterial community structure in the leaf litter of four dominant tree species in Mount Tai

Leaf litter decomposition rates vary significantly among four dominant tree species at Mount Taishan, with Robinia pseudoacacia exhibiting the fastest decomposition. This study used decomposition bags and Illumina Miseq sequencing to analyze bacterial community structure and diversity in leaf litter from R. pseudoacacia, Quercus acutissima, Pinus tabulaeformis, and Pinus densiflora over one year. Results showed that decomposition rates and chemical changes (e.g., reduced carbon and lignin content, increased nitrogen and phosphorus) influenced bacterial diversity, with broadleaf species supporting higher bacterial richness than coniferous ones. Notably, initial C/N and lignin/N ratios correlated strongly with bacterial community structure, highlighting the role of litter chemistry in shaping microbial dynamics. These findings advance understanding of how tree species identity affects forest ecosystem processes.

LU Ying, 路颖, LI Kun, 李坤, LIANG Qiang, 梁强, LI Chuanrong, 李传荣, & ZHANG Caihong, 张彩虹. (2019). Effects of leaf litter decomposition on bacterial community structure in the leaf litter of four dominant tree species in Mount Tai. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 39(9). https://doi.org/10.5846/stxb201806211365