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The detritus food web in urban forest soils
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P scaber, 2006, Photo: Kathy Szlavecz
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The main question of this project is how soil fauna composition and resource quality affect leaf litter decay and trophic interactions. In spring 2006 we set up experimental plots in Leakin Park, adjacent to the BES permanent plots. Treatments include different leaf litter combinations, degree of soil fauna access, and simulated N deposition. We are monitoring decomposition rates, leaf litter chemistry and soil fauna abundance. We have also been conducting laboratory mesocosm experiments looking at intra- and interspecific interactions of two earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus and Octolasion lacteum) at different resource availability and different consumer densities.
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Collaborators
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Christopher Swan (UMBC)
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Students
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Ramya Ambikapathi (UMBC)
Lijun Xia (JHU)
Jerry Burgess (JHU)
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