DECOMPOSITION OF ACER RUBRUM LEAVES AT 3 DEPTHS IN A EUTROPHIC OHIO LAKE

Decomposition of terrestrial litterfall, that could enter a lake, was investigated at three depths within the lake in question using leaves of red maple (Acer rubrum). Sixty litter bags each containing 10 g dry weight of maple leaves were anchored at 1 m, 4 m and 12 m in East Twin Lake. At monthly intervals five bags were harvested at each level and dry weight changes noted. Results indicate little difference in decomposition between depths over the winter months. Beginning in May, however, significant differences were noted between 1 m and all other depths for the remainder of the experimental period. Maples lost 100% of weight at 1 m, 54% at 4 m, and 55% at 12 m over the experimental period. The rate of decomposition over the total experiment period was approximately .03 g da-1 at 1 m and .015 g da-1 at the 4 and 12 m depths. These results are discussed in terms of regulation of decomposition, position of decomposition and contribution to lake metabolism. © 1979 Dr. W. Junk b.v. Publishers.