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<p>Saltmarshes are key ecosystems for the production, storage, and export of organic matter (OM), with <i>Spartina</i> species commonly playing a central role in these processes. Given their distinct ecological traits, the decomposition dynamics of <i>Spartina</i> leaf litter may vary depending on environmental and biological drivers. In this study, we tested the combined effects of crab herbivory and dry–wet cycles on leaf litter decomposition of two co-occurring <i>Spartina</i> species under controlled laboratory conditions. We found that flooding frequency and herbivory interactively influenced leaf litter weight and OM dynamics in a species-specific manner. The species characteristic of lower marsh environments showed stronger responses to flooding and herbivory, whereas the upper marsh species exhibited comparatively more stable decomposition dynamics. Both species experienced a relative increase in OM content after experimental flooding, which may reflect the selective loss of inorganic compounds. These findings indicate that the position of <i>Spartina</i> species along tidal gradients may influence how biotic and abiotic drivers shape OM dynamics in saltmarsh ecosystems. Our findings underscore the importance of hydrological regimes and biotic interactions in shaping leaf litter decomposition and carbon cycling in saltmarshes, and provide insights into how these ecosystems may respond to environmental change.</p>

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Disentangling flooding and herbivory effects on saltmarsh leaf litter loss through controlled laboratory setting

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月23日

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  • Leandro Javier Reyna Gandini,
  • M. Eugenia Becherucci,
  • Pamela R. Rivadeneira,
  • Oscar Iribarne,
  • Paulina Martinetto

摘要

Saltmarshes are key ecosystems for the production, storage, and export of organic matter (OM), with Spartina species commonly playing a central role in these processes. Given their distinct ecological traits, the decomposition dynamics of Spartina leaf litter may vary depending on environmental and biological drivers. In this study, we tested the combined effects of crab herbivory and dry–wet cycles on leaf litter decomposition of two co-occurring Spartina species under controlled laboratory conditions. We found that flooding frequency and herbivory interactively influenced leaf litter weight and OM dynamics in a species-specific manner. The species characteristic of lower marsh environments showed stronger responses to flooding and herbivory, whereas the upper marsh species exhibited comparatively more stable decomposition dynamics. Both species experienced a relative increase in OM content after experimental flooding, which may reflect the selective loss of inorganic compounds. These findings indicate that the position of Spartina species along tidal gradients may influence how biotic and abiotic drivers shape OM dynamics in saltmarsh ecosystems. Our findings underscore the importance of hydrological regimes and biotic interactions in shaping leaf litter decomposition and carbon cycling in saltmarshes, and provide insights into how these ecosystems may respond to environmental change.