Litterfall Production and Decomposition in Forest Plantations

Dear Colleagues,

Litter fall is an important component of forest ecosystems. It signifies a crucial pathway for nutrient return to the soil, and is an important source of soil organic carbon. Litter decomposition involves nutrient mineralization and carbon cycling, which is mainly controlled by climate, litter quality and the nature and abundance of the decomposing organisms. In plantation forests, how the litter production and decomposition respond to different forest management measures is not fully understood. Additionally, the mechanisms of litter decomposition are not well-understood, especially those of fine root decomposition. This Special Issue plans to present an overview of the most recent advances in the field of litter decomposition in plantation forest ecosystems. It will promote the knowledge of nutrient and carbon cycling in planted forests.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Litter production;
• Limiting and rate-regulating factors;
• The impact of climate/microclimate/litter quality/soil properties on litter decomposition;
• The impact of climate change on litter decomposition and nutrient return;
• The impact of forest management measures on litter decomposition and nutrient return;
• Role of soil biota in litter decomposition.

Dr. Yuanqi Chen
Prof. Dr. Lei Deng
Dr. Weidong Zhang
Dr. Juan Zuo
Dr. Xiaogai Ge
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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