Leaf litter decomposition and microarthropod abundance along an altitudinal gradient

Mass loss rates of three types of leaf litter were measured along an altitudinal gradient at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Macon County, North Carolina. Litterbags containing air dried litter from Quercus prinus L., Liriodendron tulipifera L., and Rhododendron maximum L. were placed in five plots along the gradient and sampled monthly. Microarthropods were extracted and sorted, and litter was weighed to determine mass loss. Decomposition rate constants were calculated for all litter types at each sample point along the gradient. Microarthropod abundance was also examined for all litter types across the gradient; the possible relationships of climatic factors to decomposition rates and microarthropod abundance were explored.