Tuesday, June 5, 2007
520

Leaf Decomposition of a Non-Native Species in an Urban Stream

Sarah E. Lewis, Ph, D, Candidate, Geosciences Environmental Dynamics Program, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, 113 Ozark Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701

            Leaf decomposition of three species of native Ozark vegetation was compared to a non-native species, Lonicera maackii.  Leaves were placed in a gravel-bed stream for 23 days.  Four grams of each leaf species were placed in 12 mesh bags. The bags were secured into areas of natural leaf pack accumulation.  Changes in mass and physical condition were determined.  The native species were Platanus occidentalis, Cornus florida, and Cercis canadensis.  In addition to exhibiting the highest amount of decomposition, L. maackii did not maintain its leaf structure as well as the native species.  ANOVA determined significant differences in decomposition rates between the four species.  Non-native species invasion within riparia results in decreased species diversity within the stream community.  L. maackii is no exception.  Diverse leaf packs provide nutrients over a longer time because leaves become palatable at different times based on chemistry and structure. This affects the amount of time detritivores and decomposers have to take advantage of allochthonous detritus.  Few studies exist on the rate of decomposition for L. maackii and thus its relationship to energy flow in stream communities.  This study shows that the presence of L. maackii in riparian corridors has the potential to impact stream ecosystem function.

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