Manganese concentration more consistently predicts root decomposition rates across soil layers, root orders, and tree species than traditional N, P, or phenolic indicators.
Chen, Guantao · Sun, Yu · Chen, Yuqin · Wei, Ma · Qi, Zhong · Li, Yunjie · Lingjun, Qiu · Zhou, Shixing · Chen, Gang · Xie, Jiulong · Tu, Lihua
Soil Biology and Biochemistry 2023
Root litter Mn concentration and remaining mass were negatively correlated during the entire decomposition period (early, middle, and late stages)
No significant relationship between mass remaining and initial root N, P, condensed tannins, or total phenolics was observed in the subsoil