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bioRxiv · 10.1101/807537

Synergistic effect: a common theme in mixed-species litter decomposition

Liu, J.·Liu, X.·Song, Q.·Luan, F.·Wang, H.·Hu, Y.·Yang, Q.
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Abstract

O_LILitter decomposition plays a key role in ecosystem nutrients cycling, yet, to date science is lacking a comprehensive understanding of the non-additive effect in mixing litter decomposition.\nC_LIO_LIIn order to fill that gap, we compiled 69 individual studies for the purpose of performing two sub-meta-analyses on the non-additive effect.\nC_LIO_LIOur results show that a significantly synergistic effect occurs at global scale with the average increase by 2-4% in litter mixture decomposition; In particular, low-quality litter in mixture shows a significantly synergistic effect, while no significant change is observed with high-quality species. Additionally, the synergistic effect turns into the antagonistic effect when soil fauna is absent or litter decomposition enters into humus-near stage. In contrast to temperate and tropical areas, studies in frigid area also show a significantly antagonistic effect.\nC_LIO_LIOur meta-analysis provides a systematic evaluation of the non-additive effect in decomposition mixed litters, which is critical for understanding and improving the carbon forecasts and nutrient dynamics.\nC_LI

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Liu, J., Liu, X., Song, Q., Luan, F., Wang, H., Hu, Y., Yang, Q.. 2019-10-17. Synergistic effect: a common theme in mixed-species litter decomposition. https://doi.org/10.1101/807537

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