Long-term Intersite Decomposition Experiment (LIDET)

LIDET is the LTER Longterm Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team. It is a leaf, wood, and root decomposition study carried out at 28 LTER and other sites including LUQ. The duration of the study is designed to be approximately 10 yrs at temperate zone sites and approximately 3 yrs at tropical zone sites because of higher decomposition rates there. The same decomposing materials, litter bags, and study design are used at all sites to facilitate intersite comparisons. Not all species were used at all sites. Six leaf litter species were used extensively at all sites that cover a range of leaf quality to permit a comparison of effects of litter quality and climate on decomposition. The others were present in the study as "wild cards", with at least one species contributed by each site. Three species of roots, and one species of wood were used. Support for this work was provided by grants BSR-8811902, DEB-9411973, DEB-9705814 , DEB-0080538, DEB-0218039 , DEB-0620910 , DEB-1239764, DEB-1546686, and DEB-1831952 from the National Science Foundation to the University of Puerto Rico as part of the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program. Additional support provided by the University of Puerto Rico and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA Forest Service.