Microbial dynamics and litter decomposition under a changed climate in a Dutch heathland

Climate change scenarios predict changes in temperature and precipitation. The effect of a modest temperature increase and repeated summer droughts on the rate of litter decomposition and microbial biomass dynamics was studied by a field scale manipulation experiment at a phosphorus (P) deficient dry heathland ecosystem in the Netherlands. Retractable covers were used to create artificial nighttime warming or prolonged summer drought in the experimental plots. The warming treatment initially enhanced litter mass loss and two consecutive years of summer drought retarded litter decomposition rat... Mehr ...