Plant Litter: Decomposition, Humus Formation, Carbon Sequestration - Hardcover

Berg, Bjorn; McClaugherty, Charles

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 3540443290 ISBN 13: 9783540443292

Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K, 2003

Synopsis

The present book gives a modernized and comprehensive overview of the degradation of major litter components as well as the sum of processes when forest plant litter decomposes, releases nutrients and turns into humus. Covering mainly boreal and temperate forests, the book gives a synthesis of the different sub-processes on the basis that decomposition is microbially mediated and develops a system in the decomposition processes leading to chemical changes in litter. Further, it introduces a conceptual model for litter transformations from litter fall until the decomposing litter accumulates as humus. The effects of substrate quality, climate, and their interactions on decomposition are presented as well as examples of litter types that break the basic pattern. A system is suggested for humus accumulation rates among forest systems, a system that may be a starting point for estimates of carbon sequestration in forest systems.

About this title

Review

From the reviews:

"The authors of the volume Plant Litter present an up-to-date and interesting contribution . The book is well arranged, relatively easy to read, contains fantastic graphics . this fundamental and rather detailed book is an absolutely necessary resource about transformation and decomposition of plant litter ... . In summary, we strongly recommend this book for all scientists concerned with plant litter . The authors can be congratulated for their impressive efforts in publishing this highly professional volume." (Oliver Bens, Reinhard F. Httl, Journal of Plant Physiology, Vol. 161, 2004)

"The work of Berg and Mc Claugerthy resumes the state of the art concerning litter decomposition mainly in boreal forests but also in a few temperate situations. this book is a remarkable synthesis of the current knowledge about the decomposition of plant residues in forest ecosystems. This book is well structured and gives a comprehensive overview about the process of litter decompositions and it is a well written synthesis of the enormous work done by B.Berg during the last two decades." (Bernd Zeller, Annals of Forest Science, Issue 2, 2004)

From the reviews:

"The authors of the volume ???Plant Litter??? present an up-to-date and interesting contribution ??? . The book is well arranged, relatively easy to read, contains fantastic graphics ??? . this fundamental and rather detailed book is an absolutely necessary resource about transformation and decomposition of plant litter ... . In summary, we strongly recommend this book for all scientists concerned with ??? plant litter ??? . The authors can be congratulated for their impressive efforts in publishing this highly professional volume." (Oliver Bens, Reinhard F. H??ttl, Journal of Plant Physiology, Vol. 161, 2004)

"The work of Berg and Mc Claugerthy resumes the state of the art concerning litter decomposition mainly in boreal forests but also in a few temperate situations. ??? this book is a remarkable synthesis of the current knowledge about the decomposition of plant residues in forest ecosystems. ??? This book is well structured and gives a comprehensive overview about the process of litter decompositions and it is a well written synthesis of the enormous work done by B.Berg during the last two decades." (Bernd Zeller, Annals of Forest Science, Issue 2, 2004)

From the reviews:

"The authors of the volume ???Plant Litter??? present an up-to-date and interesting contribution ??? . The book is well arranged, relatively easy to read, contains fantastic graphics ??? . this fundamental and rather detailed book is an absolutely necessary resource about transformation and decomposition of plant litter ... . In summary, we strongly recommend this book for all scientists concerned with ??? plant litter ??? . The authors can be congratulated for their impressive efforts in publishing this highly professional volume." (Oliver Bens, Reinhard F. H??ttl, Journal of Plant Physiology, Vol. 161, 2004)

"The work of Berg and Mc Claugerthy resumes the state of the art concerning litter decomposition mainly in boreal forests but also in a few temperate situations. ??? this book is a remarkable synthesis of the current knowledge about the decomposition of plant residues in forest ecosystems. ??? This book is well structured and gives a comprehensive overview about the process of litter decompositions and it is a well written synthesis of the enormous work done by B.Berg during the last two decades." (Bernd Zeller, Annals of Forest Science, Issue 2, 2004)

From the Back Cover

This fully revised and updated 2nd edition of Plant Litter focuses on decomposition processes in natural terrestrial systems such as boreal and temperate forests. The availability of several long-term studies from these forest types allows a more in-depth approach to the later stages of decomposition as well as to humus formation. It further briefly explores how processes are modified due to anthropogenic influences. Earlier findings are re-evaluated in light of recent research and with relevance to current areas of investigation. New concepts that modify or go beyond those already presented are covered and a new chapter on patterns of decomposition and accumulation on a regional scale was introduced.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3540443290
• ISBN 13: 9783540443292
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 298