Function through Diversity - 10 - Material Cycles

What role do carbon and nitrogen play in an ecosystem? The researchers assume that forests with a high level of biodiversity are able to exploit the nutrients in the soil better. To verify this, the researchers are planning a large-scale litter decomposition experiment. This involves scattering almost a thousand bags of fallen leaves on the forest floor. At regular intervals they will then measure their carbon and nitrogen content as well as weighing them. The results of these measurements show which species have the highest rate of decomposition and whether the mixtures of litter from several species decompose faster. In addition to this, they will also study the soil respiration – what will the results show?