Reactive Polyphenols and Forest Nutrient Cycling: An Alternative to Lignin Models

9318502 Griffiths模拟模型现在被用来预测全球气候变化如何影响植被，并确定不同的景观管理方法如何影响这种变化。这些模型的一个重要组成部分是分解基质释放二氧化碳的速率。因此一个重要的参数是估计凋落物分解率。目前计算这些比率所依据的假设可能不成立。一般认为凋落物木质素浓度在调节初始分解速率中起重要作用。在我们看来，更有可能的是，反应性多酚（RPP），如单宁，可能是分解速率的重要初始调节剂，因为它们能够与氮和磷结合，因为它们能够影响分解生物体的活性。为了更好地了解RPP如何调节凋落物分解速率，我们建议：(1)建立可靠的木质素和凋落物RPP分析，(2)评估RPP与凋落物中氮形成复合物的程度，以及(3)确定RPP复合物对分解和养分循环的影响。

9318502 Griffiths Simulation models are now being used to predict how global climate change might affect vegetation and to determine how different landscape management approaches may influence that change. An important component of these models is the rate of carbon dioxide released from decomposing substrates. Thus an important parameter is the estimated litter decomposition rates. The assumptions upon which these rates are currently calculated may not be valid. It is generally assumed that litter lignin concentration plays an important role in regulating initial decomposition rates. In our view, it is more likely that Reactive PolyPhenols (RPP) such as tannin may be important initial regulators of decomposition rates because of their ability to bind with nitrogen and phosphorus and because of their ability to affect the activity of decomposing organisms. To obtain better understanding of how RPPs regulate litter decomposition rates we are proposing to: (1) develop reliable lignin and litter RPPs analyses, (2) assess the extent to which RPPs form complexes with nitrogen in litter, and (3) determine the influence of RPP complexes on decomposition and nutrient cycling.