Lignin and holocellulose relations during long-term decomposition of some forest litters. Long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest. IV

Abstract

We investigated the relative changes in celluloses and lignin during decomposition of leaf and needle litters and wood in field experiments. The litter came from two different forest systems: one in the United States and one in Sweden. We found that the fraction of holocellulose in the total lignocellulose (Q) during decomposition approached an asymptotic value at which the disappearance of both the chemical components proceeded at the same rate. Different litter types approached different asymptotic values of Q. Possible implications of the finding are discussed.