Björn Berg

TL;DR: In this paper, a data base for litter chemical composition, and limit values for decomposition is presented, Delila, which is used to estimate carbon sequestration rates on a regional scale.

TL;DR: Interest in the role of litter decomposition in the global carbon cycle has increased recently since (1) increased atmospheric carbon dioxide will probably affect the chemical quality of litter (especially nitrogen content), and (2) global warming may enhance decomposition rates.

TL;DR: It was found that N concentration had an overall effect on this limit value in no less than 130 cases investigated, meaning that the higher the N concentration in the fresh litter (the lower the C/N ratio) the more organic matter was left, and other nutrients were also correlated to the limit value.

TL;DR: Initial decomposition is generally higher for N (nutrient) rich plant litters than for litters with a lower N (Nutrient) content, and in later stages, at which lignin-degradation rates regulate litter decomposi...

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared regional variation in litter mass-loss rates (first year) in pine forests to climate across a large, continental-scale area using 39 experimental sites spanning climatic regions from the subarctic to subtropical and Mediterranean: the latitudinal gradient ranged from 31 °N to 70 °N and may represent the largest geographical area that has been sampled and observed for the purpose of studying biogeochemical processes.