Premium
Decomposition of Juncus maritimus in Two Shallow Lakes of Doñana National Park
Author(s) -
Alvarez Sergio,
Rico Eugenio,
Guerrero Ma Carmen,
Montes Carlos
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international review of hydrobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 1434-2944
DOI - 10.1002/1522-2632(200107)86:4/5<541::aid-iroh541>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - dominance (genetics) , macrophyte , biomass (ecology) , plant litter , environmental science , litter , eutrophication , biology , ecology , nutrient , biochemistry , gene
Santa Olalla and Dulce are two shallow natural eutrophic lakes (“lagunas”) located in Doñana National Park (south of Spain). Both lagunas have high algal biomass and pH and are surrounded by a macrophyte fringe of Juncus spp. and Scirpus spp. The effect of the macroinvertebrate community on decomposition rates ( k ) of Juncus maritimus was measured in both lagunas using the litter bag method over a one year period after which less than 10% of the original litter bag material remained. Two different mesh sizes, coarse (5 mm) and fine (0.25 mm), were used to evaluate macroinvertebrate community effects on decomposition. Decomposition rates were rapid, with k values of 0.0162 day –1 in coarse bags and 0.0094 day –1 for fine bags at Santa Olalla and 0.0095, 0.0088 day –1 for coarse and fine bags, respectively, at Dulce. Both lagunas had similar densities of macroinvertebrates, with a dominance of shredder‐gatherer chironomids. However, densities of scrapers (Ancylidae) increased in Santa Olalla in spring but were almost absent in Dulce. The influence of different physical and chemical parameters and of the macroinvertebrate community on the decomposition process is studied. In spite of some potential confounding effects in the use of fine mesh bags in standing water systems, it is concluded that morphometrical characteristics of the lagunas are important in controlling decomposition rates.