Terrestrial–aquatic microbial community coalescence slows litter decomposition in streams

In the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, litter can enter the stream vertically, falling from the tree and into the stream, or laterally, sliding into the stream after transient terrestrial retention. The transition between these ecological contexts can lead to the coalescence of microbial communities. This study focuses on differences in the decomposition between vertical input and lateral input litter, as well as the influence of terrestrial-aquatic microbial community coalescence on their decomposition.

在陆地与水生生态系统的交错界面处，凋落物（litter）可通过两种途径进入溪流：垂直途径——直接从树木落入溪流；侧向途径则是经陆地暂存后滑入溪流。这两类生态场景间的环境过渡过程，可引发微生物群落的汇合（coalescence）。本研究聚焦于垂直输入与侧向输入凋落物的分解差异，以及陆-水生微生物群落汇合对其分解过程的影响。