Urbanization-related changes in European aspen (Populus tremula L.): Leaf traits and litter decomposition |
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Authors: | Suvi Nikula Elina Vapaavuori |
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Institution: | a Department of Biosciences, P.O. Box 56, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland b Suonenjoki Research Unit, Finnish Forest Research Institute, Juntintie 154, 77600 Suonenjoki, Finland c Department of Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 56, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland |
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Abstract: | We investigated foliar and litter responses of European aspen (Populus tremula L.) to urbanization, including factors such as increased temperature, moisture stress and nitrogen (N) deposition. Leaf samples were collected in 2006-2008 from three urban and three rural forest stands in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, southern Finland, and reciprocal litter transplantations were established between urban and rural sites. Urban leaves exhibited a higher amount of epicuticular waxes and N concentration, and a lower C:N ratio than rural ones, but there was no difference in specific leaf area. Urban litter had a slightly higher N concentration, lower concentrations of lignin and total phenolics, and was more palatable to a macrofaunal decomposer. Moreover, litter decay was faster at the urban site and for urban litter. Urbanization thus resulted in foliar acclimatization in terms of increased amount of epicuticular waxes, as well as in accelerated decomposition of the N-richer leaf litter. |
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Keywords: | Urban land-use Acclimatization Epicuticular waxes Decomposition Litter quality |
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