Factors influencing decomposition of leaves for five plant species at El Verde

We evaluated the influences of leaf quality, climate and microsite on the decomposition of leaves of five tropical tree species. Single-species litterbags were used to determine weight loss during the first three months of decomposition in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico. Significant differences were found in decomposition rates among leaf species (Inga fagifolia less than I. vera less than Manilkara bidentata less than C-roton poecilanthus