Decomposition of Fine Woody Roots: a Time Series Approach, 1995 to 2006

We examined the effects of species, initial substrate quality, and site differences on woody root decomposition and its nitrogen dynamics in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) dominated forests in Oregon, U.S.A. using a time series approach. Roots of fourteen species and five size classes were placed in the field to incubate and then collected at pre-planned intervals to determine mass loss and nitrogen content.