Effect of limited water availability on forest litter decomposition processes

Litter decomposition is a central biogeochemical process that regulates carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Litter has a critical role in improving soil nutrition, maintaining biological activity, preserving biodiversity, and supporting the overall forest ecosystem. However, there is limited knowledge on the release of macroelements during litter decomposition, particularly for different monoculture and mixed-species stands. The study was conducted on experimental plots in the Miechów Forest District in southern Poland (50.19621°N, 20.06509°E). Litter of the following six tree species were examined: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.). Both single-species and mixed-species litter were evaluated, with mixtures containing 75%, 50%, and 25% of deciduous and coniferous species. The prominent effect of drought on litter decomposition emphasizes the importance of climatic factors in regulating decomposition rates andnutrient release from litter, which is crucial for maintaining forest ecosystem in the current global climate change scenario