Plant Litter

Since the publication of the 2^nd edition, there have been substantial developments in the field of litter decomposition. This fully revised and updated 3^rd edition of Plant Litter reflects and discusses new findings and re-evaluates earlier ones in light of recent research and with regard to current areas of investigation. 

The availability of several long-term studies allows a more in-depth approach to decomposition patterns and to the later stages of decomposition, as well as to humus formation and accumulation.

The latest information focuses on three fields:

- the effects of manganese on decomposition and possibly on carbon sequestration,

- new findings on decomposition dynamics, and

- the new analytical technique using ¹³C-NMR.

“A major component of ecosystems and plays a major role in determining their structure and function by virtue of being the source of energy for a large diversity of heterotrophic organisms. … provides a comprehensive account of the subject based on the extensive studies in boreal forest ecosystems. … The fundamentals are applicable to a great extent also to the process in other climatic regions where the researchers would surely find the book useful in many ways.” (Brij Gopal, International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 41 (3-4), 2015)

“The book … presents a clear, thorough introduction to plant litter decomposition processes, providing detailed coverage of specific topics and ending with a summary chapter on regional carbon sequestration rates. It contains numerous diagrams, tables, and figures, a valuable glossary, 24 pages of references, and appendixes specific to field experiments and analytical methods that will be useful to researchers for many years to come. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (D. L. Richter, Choice, Vol. 51 (11), July, 2014)

"The authors of the volume ‘Plant Litter’ present an up-to-date and interesting contribution … . The book is well arranged, relatively easy to read, contains fantastic graphics … . this fundamental and rather detailed book is an absolutely necessary resource about transformation and decomposition of plant litter ... . In summary, we strongly recommend this book for all scientists concerned with … plant litter … . The authors can be congratulated for their impressive efforts in publishing this highly professional volume." (Oliver Bens, Reinhard F. Hüttl, Journal of Plant Physiology, Vol. 161, 2004)

"The work of Berg and Mc Claugherty resumes the state of the art concerning litter decomposition mainly in boreal forests but also in a few temperate situations. … this book is a remarkable synthesis of the current knowledge about the decomposition of plant residues in forest ecosystems. … This book is well structured and gives a comprehensive overview about the process of litter decompositions and itis a well written synthesis of the enormous work done by B.Berg during the last two decades." (Bernd Zeller, Annals of Forest Science, Issue 2, 2004)

• Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

  Björn Berg

• Mount Union University Dept. Biology, Alliance, USA

  Charles McClaugherty

Policies and ethics