This study serves as a proof-of-concept for further examination of factors that influence decomposition of AMF hyphae using similar experimental designs.
We aimed to quantify how micro-habitats and combinations of litters of the introduced leguminous tree Colophospermum mopane with the grasses Cenchrus ciliaris or Lasiurus sindicus influence decomposition rate and soil nutrient changes in a hot desert silvopasture system.
Leaf-eating insects can influence decomposition processes by modifying quality of leaf litter, and this impact can be especially pronounced in habitats where leaf-eating insects reach high densities, for example in heavily polluted areas.
While soil properties, especially soil moisture levels, influence decomposition rates, the moisture level of plant residue itself can differ from that of the surrounding soil due to the so called "sponge effect -water absorption by plant reffect -waterhe surrounding soil.
The quality of decomposing material can be altered in numerous chemical parameters known to influence decomposition processes (e.g., N content), with significant interspecific differences in alterations (Carreras et al. 1996; Alfani et al. 2000).
Moreover, cities not only affect the global carbon cycle through anthropogenic release of CO2 and storage of organic carbon but have long been observed to influence decomposition (e.g., Fenn and Dunn 1989).
