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Effects of mesh bag enclosure and termites on fine woody debris decomposition in a subtropical forest

Formally Refereed

Abstract

The role of insects in terrestrial decomposition remains poorly resolved, particularly for infrequently studied substrates like small diameter woody debris.  Uncertainty about how mesh bags used to exclude arthropods may affect decomposition rates continues to impede progress in this area.  We sought to (1) measure how insects affect the decomposition of small diameter tweigs and (2) test for unintended effects of mesh bags on wood decomposition using machined wooden dowels of similar size and specific gravity.

Keywords

Termites, fine woody debris, wood decomposition

Citation

Stoklosa, Allison M.; Ulyshen, Michael D.; Fan, Zhaofei; Varner, Morgan; Seibold, Sebastian; Muller, Jorg. 2016. Effects of mesh bag enclosure and termites on fine woody debris decomposition in a subtropical forest. Basic and Applied Ecology, Vol. 17(5): 8 pages.: 463-470  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2016.03.001
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/52291