Author
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Godwin, Harry |
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O Neill, Katherine |
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Submitted to: Ecological Society of America Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2007 Publication Date: 3/17/2007 Citation: Godwin, H.W., O Neill, K.P. 2007. A modified colorimetric method for estimating litter decomposition by soil microinvertebrates. In: Proceedings of the Mid-Atlantic Ecological Society of America, March 17-18, 2007, York, Pennsylvania. 2007 CDROM. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Understanding the effects of land-use on soil fertility, soil quality, and nutrient cycling requires detailed knowledge of the structural composition and functional strategies of the microinvertebrates that decompose organic matter within the soil ecosystem. Several methods for assessing litter decomposition by microinvertebrates presently exist: litterbag, litter-container, mini container, and bait-lamina. However, interpretation of results may be complicated by contamination of litter samples with soil and external debris. The bait-lamina test, a plastic-strip with bait-filled holes that is inserted into the soil, was designed for assessments of contamination on soil communities and provides only a qualitative estimate of decomposition. In this study, we introduce a modification to the bait-lamina method that uses a colorimetric assessment of extracted plant protein to minimize bias from adhered soil particles and provide a quantitative estimate of bait consumption. The protein within the plant litter "baits" is measured by a modified Bio-Rad assay using an ELISA plate reader at 340 nm wavelength. The amount of protein remaining within the bait following incubation in the soil provides an index of litter mass consumption by soil microinvertebrates. This approach to a more exact quantitative measurement of litter consumption in bait-lamina strips should result in an improved and increased understanding of the role microfauna play in soil decomposition. |
