季节性积雪下的高山草地凋落物分解

青藏高原高山草地的凋落物分解是其生物地化循环过程的重要一环.采用样方调查法估测两种典型地形条件下高山草地单位面积的年凋落物产量,分析定面积凋落物分解袋中的初始装袋量与凋落物分解率的关系,估算最佳初始凋落物装袋量.通过积雪期设置双面凋落物分解袋于浅雪、深雪、无雪及人工雪被处理下,比较不同的雪被处理下凋落物的分解率,同时测定对应的土壤温度及土壤微生物生物量碳氮含量,进而分析土壤微生物生物量碳氮与凋落物分解率之间的相关关系.研究发现:(1)两种典型样地内植物凋落物在自然状态下的年产生量均约为90 g/m~2;(2)非生长季中凋落物分解率与凋落物初始重量呈负线性相关,凋落物初始装袋量3 g是研究分解率的相对较佳重量;(3)随着积雪厚度的增加,非生长季土壤温度和凋落物分解率提高,同时也促进了土壤微生物生物量的积累,凋落物分解率和土壤微生物生物量碳、氮在深雪与无雪处理下分别达到最大值(分别为10.15%,156.37 mg/kg,75.89 mg/kg)和最小值(分别为3.07%,65.38mg/kg,20.17mg/kg).土壤微生物生物量碳、氮均与凋落物分解率呈显著相关性(P 0.05).综上所述,即便在冬季气温低于冰点的情况下,雪被的隔绝作用使得土壤微生物活动依然活跃进行;雪被变化既改变了土壤环境因子及凋落物分解率,也深刻影响着高山草地生态系统的结构与功能.     

内蒙古典型草原凋落物分解对不同草地利用方式的响应

以2005年设置的中德放牧控制试验为平台,研究了内蒙古典型草原群落凋落物的分解速率、失重率及其碳氮损失率在不同草地利用方式和放牧强度下的变化规律。草地利用方式包括:传统放牧、传统割草和放牧、割草轮换利用(混合利用)。放牧强度包括7个:0、1.5、3.0、4.5、6.0、7.5、9.0 sheep·hm~(-2)。结果表明:传统放牧和混合利用方式下,放牧都不同程度地加速了群落凋落物的分解和失重。在传统放牧平地系统中,放牧强度为7.5 sheep·hm~(-2)小区群落凋落物的分解速率和失重率均显著高于对照区,分别高出45.0%和40.0%;在混合利用平地系统中,放牧强度为6.0 sheep·hm~(-2)小区群落凋落物的分解速率显著高于对照区,高出35.0%;在混合利用坡地系统中,放牧强度为9.0 sheep·hm~(-2)小区群落凋落物的分解速率和失重率均显著高于对照区,分别高出82.4%和62.0%。群落凋落物碳损失率和氮损失率在传统放牧系统中,随放牧强度的增加呈现出相似的变化趋势,而在混合利用系统中,随放牧强度的增加呈现出相反的变化趋势,但是总体表现为,增加放牧强度会加速群落凋落物中碳氮的释放。高放牧强度下,群落凋落物的分解速率、失重率和碳损失率差异显著,表现为:混合利用传统割草传统放牧,这一试验结果在一定程度上验证了放牧优化假说。     

凋落物质量和分解对中亚热带栲木荷林土壤氮矿化的影响

用控温、控水室内培养方法,研究了中亚热带栲木荷常绿阔叶林和邻近柳杉人工针叶林凋落物的分解及其对栲木荷林土壤氮矿化的影响.结果表明:栲木荷阔叶林的凋落物失重率大于针阔混合凋落物的失重率,大于柳杉针叶纯林凋落物的失重率.所有凋落物失重率都与其初始氮含量呈显著负相关,和初始碳含量呈显著正相关,而与凋落物C/N比的相关性不强.不同凋落物处理下的土壤NO3--N含量差异显著(P＜0.05,N=18),NH4 -N含量差异不显著(P＞0.05,N=18),混合凋落物处理下的土壤NO3--N和NH4 -N含量最高,分别是224.21 mg kg-1和56.77 mg kg-1,其氮转化速率也最高,硝化、氨化、氮矿化速率分别为1.74 mg kg-1 d-1、0.36 mg kg-1 d-1和1.90mg kg-1 d-1.各凋落物处理下的土壤氮含量随时间变化的规律不一致.土壤氨化速率与土壤全氮呈显著正相关(r=0.843,P＜0.05,N=21),与栲木荷林凋落物的失重率呈显著负相关(r=-0.997,P＜0.05,N=21).图3表4参29     

鼎湖山马尾松林凋落物分解对凋落物输入变化的响应

为了了解我国南方森林常见的人为干扰（凋落物收取）活动对生态系统养分循环的影响,研究了鼎湖山马尾松林3种主要树种凋落物分解及其养分释放对凋落物输入量变化的响应。这3种树种分别为马尾松（Pinus massoniana）、荷木（Schimasuperba）和锥栗（Castanopsis chinensis）。凋落物输入量变化分别为凋落物去除（L-）、加倍（L＋）和对照（L）3种处理,每种处理25个重复。经过18个月的处理试验,凋落物分解速率及其养分释放随树种、分解阶段和凋落物处理不同而异。荷木、马尾松和锥栗分解物平均残留率分别为0.46±0.01、0.42±0.01、0.40±0.02,其中,荷木与锥栗、马尾松差异性显著。不同处理间的凋落物分解速率差异显著,加倍、对照和去除处理样地凋落物的平均残留率分别为0.51±0.08、0.53±0.09和0.55±0.08。凋落物加倍处理促进了凋落物分解过程中C的释放,而去除凋落物处理则抑制了N、P的释放。以上结果表明,凋落物收取活动不仅直接带走凋落物中的大量养分,而且抑制了凋落物分解及其养分释放。     

模拟氮沉降对温带森林凋落物分解的影响

森林凋落物的分解是生态系统养分循环的重要过程,以北京西山地带性植被栎树林（辽东栎：Quercus liaotungensis）为对象,主要研究温带森林植物凋落物分解对模拟氮沉降的响应,为更好地了解氮沉降对温带森林地区凋落物的分解过程提供参考.通过模拟氮沉降,研究不同形态氮（硝态氮、铵态氮和混合态氮）和不同水平氮沉降（对照0 kg·hm^-2·a^-1、低氮处理50 kg·hm^-2·a^-1 和高氮处理150 kg·hm^-2·a^-1）对凋落物分解的影响,在2 年的时间内调查分析了凋落物分解过程中质量损失动态和碳（C）、N 含量及w（C）/w（N）比值的变化.研究结果表明,氮沉降均使凋落物分解速率减缓,且随氮沉降剂量增加,凋落物分解速率相比对照分别减慢了9.88%（硝态氮低氮）、15.02%（硝态氮高氮）、11.46%（铵态氮低氮）、14.62%（铵态氮高氮）、13.04%（混合态氮低氮）和16.20%（混合态氮高氮）.且不同氮沉降类型、不同氮沉降水平间差异显著.不同形态、不同水平的氮沉降显著地增加了凋落物N 含量（P=0.061,P=0.087）,其中混合态氮沉降对凋落物中N 素含量增加最显著（P=0.044）.但在分解过程中,各处理均未对凋落物C 含量产生显著影响.不同水平的氮沉降显著降低了凋落物的w（C）/w（N）比值,而且不同类型不同水平氮沉降对凋落物w（C）/w（N）比值具有显著的交互作用（P=0.011）.综上所述,通过对模拟氮沉降后凋落物残留率等的变化分析,得出氮沉降对温带森林凋落物的分解产生了抑制作用.     

金沙江干热河谷山地草地封育过程中土壤种子库时空特征

2006年和2007年,分别选择放牧、封育1年、封育2年和封育3年的退化山地草地,采用土壤种子库萌发法对土壤种子库的时间、空间分布进行测定,旨在揭示金沙江干热河谷退化山地草地在封育过程中,土壤种子库的时间、空间以及时间序列上的空间变化特征.结果表明,(1)随封育年限的推移土壤种子库密度显著增加(F=73.107;P=<0.001).植物种群土壤种子库密度随封育年限的推移,多年生植物种群土壤种子库密度显著增加(P=<0.001),一年生植物种群土壤种子库密度显著现降低(P=<0.01).(2)土壤种子库的空间分布特征为0～5 cm土壤层(含凋落物层)>5～10 cm土壤层>10～15cm土壤层,种子密度呈自上而下减少的趋势.(3)土壤种子库时间序列上的空间分布特征为,0～5 cm土壤层中种子库密度随封育时间的推移呈显著下降趋势(F=43.758;P<0.01),5～10 cm土壤层中种子库密度随封育时间的推移呈显著增加趋势(F=6.435;P<0.05),10～15 cm土壤层中种子库密度随封育时间的推移呈显著增加趋势(F=6.620;P<0.05).     

不同栽植代数杉木林凋落物特性的比较

在全国杉木中心产区福建建瓯 ,选择不同栽植代数、不同发育阶段的杉木人工林 ,进行凋落物特性的比较研究 .结果表明 :不同栽植代数杉木林凋落物年产量有显著差异 ,表现出随栽植代数增加而减少的趋势 .不同栽植代数杉木林的凋落物组成、凋落动态及其分解速率差异不明显 .但杉木刚掉落凋落物与地面凋落物的分解状况存在明显差异 ,刚掉落凋落物的分解速率明显低于地面凋落物 ,而且刚掉落杉木凋落物的周转期高于地面凋落物 ,因此在杉木林地上随意选取凋落物样品进行凋落物分解试验 ,不能反映整个林分凋落物的分解状况 .图 2表 5参 2 4     

水分及凋落物对若尔盖泥炭土CH4排放的影响

通过野外采样和室内培养试验,设置了饱和水分(100％田间持水量)、非饱和水分(60％田间持水量)和干湿交替处理3种土壤水分条件,以及添加和未添加凋落物2种处理,研究了若尔盖泥炭土CH4排放对不同土壤水分条件以及凋落物添加的响应.结果表明,不同土壤水分条件和凋落物添加及其交互作用对泥炭土CH4排放均有显著影响.相对于非饱和土壤水分,干湿交替促进了泥炭土CH4排放,而在持续的饱和水分条件下,泥炭土CH4排放量最高.凋落物添加促进了泥炭土CH4排放速率和累积排放量.饱和水分条件下,泥炭土CH4排放对凋落物添加响应最为迅速,干湿交替次之,非饱和水分条件下的响应最慢.     

不同强度间伐对杉木人工林凋落物分解速率的影响

为了明晰凋落物分解对间伐强度的响应,本文以南京市溧水区林场间伐7年后的25年生杉木Cunninghamia lanceolata(Lamb.)Hook.人工林为研究对象,研究了不同间伐强度下凋落物的分解速率和化学组成的变化,并分析其与部分环境因子之间的关系,以期为不同间伐强度对凋落物分解特征影响机制的初步探究奠定基础,为人工针叶林的可持续发展提供科学依据。结果显示,(1)间伐显著改变了杉木人工林凋落物的分解速率;与对照地相比,中度间伐下分解最快,失重率为31.98%;弱度间伐次之,为30.94%;强度间伐则会减缓杉木凋落物的分解,失重率仅达到27.03%。(2)经1年分解,对照地和3种间伐强度下凋落物均表现出N的净积累,中度间伐强度对凋落物中N的影响显著,w(C)/w(N)和w(木质素)/w(N)的年动态变化趋势相似,其中w(C)/w(N)是反映分解速率的理想指标。(3)间伐主要通过影响凋落物层温度、蔗糖酶和纤维素酶的活性来改变凋落物的分解速率。本研究结果表明,适度间伐能够改变凋落物层温度和酶活性,加速杉木人工林凋落物的分解,减缓过分积累,促进土壤养分的输入;过度间伐会抑制凋落物分解,阻滞养分的回归与利用。该研究对进一步揭示间伐对森林系统中物质及养分循环的影响机制有一定意义,可为制定合理有效的营林措施,促进针叶人工林养分循环提供一定的科学依据。     

柑橘果园凋落物量及凋落叶的分解特征

对福州郊区7年生柑橘果园生态系统凋落物的发生及凋落物叶分解特征进行观测研究.结果表明,柑橘果园年凋落物总量为1 682.48 kg·hm-2,其中以叶凋落量最大,占58.97%;凋落物的发生呈现不规则的月变化,以3月和7月凋落物量最大;柑橘果园凋落物年碳、氮归还量分别为704.56、43.72 kg·hm-2.凋落物叶分解过程呈现先快后慢的规律,经过1 a分解后,凋落物叶分解残留率为21.50%,凋落物叶分解95%所需时间为1.83 a.     

Long-term burning interacts with herbivory to slow decomposition

Fires can generate spatial variation in trophic interactions such as insect herbivory. If trophic interactions mediated by fire influence nutrient cycling, they could feed back on the more immediate consequences of fire on nutrient dynamics. Here we consider herbivore-induced effects on oak litter quality and decomposition within a long-term manipulation of fire frequency in central Minnesota, USA. We focused on bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) trees, which are common across the fire frequency gradient and are often heavily infested with either lace bugs (Corythuca arcuata) or aphids (Hoplochaithropsus quercicola). We used targeted exclusion to test for herbivore-specific effects on litter chemistry and subsequent decomposition rates. Lace bug exclusion led to lower lignin concentrations in litterfall and subsequently accelerated decomposition. In contrast, aphid exclusion had no effect on litterfall chemistry or on decomposition rate, despite heavy infestation levels. Effects of lace bug herbivory on litterfall chemistry and decomposition were similar in burned and unburned areas. However, lace bug herbivory was much more common in burned than in unburned areas, whereas aphid herbivory was more common in unburned areas. These results suggest that frequent fires promote oak-herbivore interactions that decelerate decomposition. This effect should amplify other influences of fire that slow nitrogen cycling.     

Modelling organic matter dynamics in headwater streams of south-western British Columbia,Canada

A mass-balance model was developed to simulate organic matter (OM) dynamics in headwater stream ecosystems of south-western British Columbia, Canada. Empirical data from two streams were used to structure and test a mass-balance model of the riparian–stream system. The model was driven by data on inputs, outputs, processing rates, discharge and water temperature. Statistical sub-models were derived for different processes (e.g. decomposition rates and periphyton growth). Inputs and outputs of OM were modelled on the basis of a series of assumptions of system properties, such as temperature and hydrological regimes. Major uncertainties identified through Monte-Carlo simulations of model predictions and variables important in controlling OM dynamics in these streams were dissolved OM (DOM) import and export, stream area and litterfall import. DOM was quantitatively the most important source of OM, accounting for 80% of total export of OM, followed by export of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) at 15%. Different scenarios of logging and temperature regimes on the system were simulated to predict how these factors would affect standing stock of OM in the stream. When inputs of riparian litterfall were simulated to mirror reductions predicted from forest harvesting in the riparian area particulate OM (POM) standing stock was reduced by almost 80%. In comparison, a 3 °C increase in water temperature resulted in only a 20% reduction of POM standing stock due to enhanced mineralisation.     

川西亚高山针叶林土壤硝化作用及其影响因素

采用BarometricProcessSeparation(BaPS)技术对川西亚高山针叶林土壤总硝化作用速率的季节动态进行了研究,并分析了各影响因素与总硝化速率的关系.通过土壤温度和水分含量的控制实验,对温度和水分含量与总硝化速率之间的关系进行了一次线性和曲线模拟.结果表明,6至10月各月份之间的总硝化速率存在显著差异(P<0.01),在7月总硝化速率达到最大值;土壤温度和水分含量与总硝化速率显著正相关(P<0.05),对总硝化速率的影响存在明显的交互作用,水分含量可能对总硝化速率的影响更大,在季节变化中温度和水分含量可能对硝化过程产生直接和间接两种作用;pH值与总硝化速率之间的相关性不明显;森林凋落量与总硝化速率间没有显著相关性,但若仅考虑6至9月,森林凋落量与总硝化速率极显著相关(P<0.01).总之,土壤温度和水分含量很可能是影响总硝化速率的两个最主要的因素.图6表2参31     

科尔沁沙地土地利用变化对土壤特性的影响

在中国科学院奈曼沙漠化研究站放牧试验场周围,选取了不同利用方式和类型的草地（封育和放牧）、林地（乔木和灌木）和农田（灌溉和非灌溉）为研究样地,调查了0～30cm土层每隔10cm的土壤水分质量分数和有机养分（有机碳和全氮）,分析了土地利用变化对土壤水分质量分数和有机养分的影响。结果发现,垂直空间分布上,无论哪种土地类型样地,土壤水分质量分数和有机养分各土层间均无显著差异性（P〉0.05）,土层垂直变化对土壤特性影响均较小。在不同土地利用方式水平空间分布上,土壤水分质量分数和有机养分（土壤有机碳和全氮）灌木林地均显著高于乔木林地（P〈0.05）,而封育草地和放牧草地间以及灌溉农田与非灌溉农田间土壤水分质量分数和有机养分均无显著差异性（P〉0.05）。不同土地利用类型水平分布上,草地土壤水分质量分数显著低于林地和农田（P〈0.05）,而土壤养分质量分数草地显著高于林地和农田（P〈0.05）。分析表明,对沙质草地进行围栏封育和旱作农田退耕还林还草的同时,对水浇农田实行保护性耕作和精细管理,有利于沙地土壤环境改善与生态系统恢复。     

桂西北喀斯特区原生林与次生林凋落物及养分归还特征比较

森林凋落物是森林生态系统的重要组成成分,其养分归还量在一定程度上决定着土壤养分有效性的高低。在土层浅薄且土被很不连续的我国喀斯特区域进行凋落物生物量及养分归还研究对我们更深刻地了解该区养分循环具有至关重要的意义。本文比较分析了桂西北喀斯特区3种原生林与3种次生林的全年凋落物量、组成、月凋落物量动态及养分归还量与动态。结果表明,圆果化香（Platycarya longipes Wu）、大叶蚊母树（Distylium Sieb．e tZucc．）与青檀（Pteroceltis tatarinowii Maxim．）3种原生林的年凋落物总量分别为2342．16,4057．99和1834．36k·hm～,而圆叶乌桕（Sapium romndifolium Hemsl．）、八角枫似langium chinense（Lour．）Harms）和黄荆（Vitex negundoL．）3种次生林的年凋落物总量分别为3192．82,3284．26,2469．90kg.hm-2,除大叶蚊母树外,次生林年凋落物总量大于原生林。凋落物的组成中,叶凋落生物量均占总凋落物量的80％左右,甚至更高,而圆叶乌桕、八角枫和黄荆3种次生林群落的叶凋落物量占总凋落物量的百分比大于圆果化香、大叶蚊母树以及青檀3种原生林。凋落物的养分归还量的月动态与凋落物量的月动态一致,原生林呈“u”形曲线,而次生林则呈“w”形曲线。原生林和次生林凋落物的年养分归还量均为C〉N〉K〉P,且次生林的c、N、P养分的归还量大于原生林。     

Nitrogen effects on decomposition: a five-year experiment in eight temperate sites

The influence of inorganic nitrogen (N) inputs on decomposition is poorly understood. Some prior studies suggest that N may reduce the decomposition of substrates with high concentrations of lignin via inhibitory effects on the activity of lignin-degrading enzymes, although such inhibition has not always been demonstrated. I studied the effects of N addition on decomposition of seven substrates ranging in initial lignin concentrations (from 7.4% to 25.6%) over five years in eight different grassland and forest sites in central Minnesota, USA. I predicted that N would stimulate the decomposition of lignin-poor substrates but retard the decomposition of lignin-rich substrates. Across these sites, N had neutral or negative effects on decomposition rates. However, in contrast to my hypothesis, effects of N on decomposition were independent of substrate initial lignin concentrations, and decomposition of the lignin fraction was unaffected by N fertilization. Rather, substrate-site combinations that exhibited more rapid decomposition rates in the control treatment were affected more negatively by addition of N fertilization. Taken together, these results suggest that decreased decomposition with added N did not result from inhibition of lignin-degrading enzyme activity, but may have resulted from abiotic interactions between N fertilizer and products of microbial degradation or synthesis or from N effects on the decomposer community. Low initial substrate N concentrations and N fertilization both stimulated N immobilization, but the differences among substrates were generally much larger than the effects of fertilization. This study suggests that atmospheric N addition could stimulate ecosystem carbon sequestration in some ecosystems as a result of reduced rates of forest floor decomposition.     

桂西北喀斯特区原生林与次生林凋落物及养分归还特征比较

森林凋落物是森林生态系统的重要组成成分,其养分归还量在一定程度上决定着土壤养分有效性的高低。在土层浅薄且土被很不连续的我国喀斯特区域进行凋落物生物量及养分归还研究对我们更深刻地了解该区养分循环具有至关重要的意义。本文比较分析了桂西北喀斯特区3种原生林与3种次生林的全年凋落物量、组成、月凋落物量动态及养分归还量与动态。结果表明,圆果化香(Platycarya longipes Wu)、大叶蚊母树(Distylium Sieb.et Zucc.)与青檀(Pteroceltis tatarinowii Maxim.)3种原生林的年凋落物总量分别为2342.16,4057.99和1834.36kg·hm-2,而圆叶乌桕(Sapium rotundifolium Hemsl.)、八角枫(Alangium chinense(Lour.) Harms)和黄荆(Vitex negundo L.)3种次生林的年凋落物总量分别为3192.82,3284.26,2469.90kg·hm-2,除大叶蚊母树外,次生林年凋落物总量大于原生林。凋落物的组成中,叶凋落生物量均占总凋落物量的80%左右,甚至更高,而圆叶乌桕、八角枫和黄荆3种次生林群落的叶凋落物量占总凋落物量的百分比大于圆果化香、大叶蚊母树以及青檀3种原生林。凋落物的养分归还量的月动态与凋落物量的月动态一致,原生林呈"U"形曲线,而次生林则呈"W"形曲线。原生林和次生林凋落物的年养分归还量均为C﹥N﹥K﹥P,且次生林的C、N、P养分的归还量大于原生林。     

汉江上游不同林龄麻栎林枯落物的水文功能评价

麻栎林普遍存在于汉江上游,其涵养水源能力的发挥对维持汉江上游流域生态平衡具有重要的作用.于2020年12月对汉江上游天柱山3个不同林龄(15 a、25 a、33 a)的麻栎林样地进行了枯落物厚度和蓄积量调查,利用浸泡法测定了枯落物各水文功能指标,运用熵权法对3个林龄麻栎林枯落物的水源涵养能力进行了综合评价.结果表明:麻...     

保水剂对番茄生长及水分利用效率的影响

在砂与木屑复合基质中加入不同用量的保水剂,测定基质物理性状,并进行不同水分处理条件下番茄盆栽试验,以研究保水剂对番茄生长及水分利用效率的影响。结果表明:在每1 L基质分别加入1、2、4、8 g保水剂时,与对照(未加保水剂)相比,基质持水量分别增加16.35%、34.00%、61.29%和135.16%,容重分别降低3.61%、5.37%、9.42%和14.64%;在水分耗竭试验中,番茄萎蔫天数分别延长13.92%、22.79%、31.65%和45.5%,干物质量分别增加7.90%、21.60%、57.08%、179.50%,株高、叶片数、茎粗、鲜质量也都随保水剂用量的增加而明显增加;在基质相对水分质量分数分别为55%、70%、85%及100%4种处理下的番茄水分胁迫试验中,每1 L基质施用2 g保水剂时,与对照(未加保水剂)相比,水分利用效率分别提高29.93%、28.06%、14.36%、7.42%,株高、生物量也随水分胁迫程度加重而明显提高。     

Interrelationships among shrub encroachment, land management, and litter decomposition in a semidesert grassland.

Encroachment of woody plants into grasslands, and subsequent brush management, are among the most prominent changes to occur in arid and semiarid systems over the past century. Despite the resulting widespread changes in landcover, substantial uncertainty about the biogeochemical impacts of woody proliferation and brush management exists. We explored the role of shrub encroachment and brush management on leaf litter decomposition in a semidesert grassland where velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) abundance has increased over the past 100 years. This change in physiognomy may affect decomposition directly, through altered litter quality or quantity, and indirectly through altered canopy structure. To assess the direct and indirect impacts of shrubs on decomposition, we quantified changes in mass, nitrogen, and carbon in litterbags deployed under mesquite canopies and in intercanopy zones. Litterbags contained foliage from mesquite and Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana), a widespread, nonnative grass in southern Arizona. To explore short- and long-term influences of brush management on the initial stages of decomposition, litterbags were deployed at sites where mesquite canopies were removed three weeks, 45 years, or 70 years prior to study initiation. Mesquite litter decomposed more rapidly than lovegrass, but negative indirect influences of mesquite canopies counteracted positive direct effects. Decomposition was positively correlated with soil infiltration into litterbags, which varied with microsite placement, and was lowest under canopies. Low under-canopy decomposition was ostensibly due to decreased soil movement associated with high under-canopy herbaceous biomass. Decomposition rates where canopies were removed three weeks prior to study initiation were comparable to those beneath intact canopies, suggesting that decomposition was driven by mesquite legacy effects on herbaceous cover-soil movement linkages. Decomposition rates where shrubs were removed 45 and 70 years prior to study initiation were comparable to intercanopy rates, suggesting that legacy effects persist less than 45 years. Accurate decomposition modeling has proved challenging in arid and semiarid systems but is critical to understanding biogeochemical responses to woody encroachment and brush management. Predicting brush-management effects on decomposition will require information on shrub-grass interactions and herbaceous biomass influences on soil movement at decadal timescales. Inclusion of microsite factors controlling soil accumulation on litter would improve the predictive capability of decomposition models.