Mikrosukzession in alterndem Kot von Arion rufus (Gastropoda)

1995

4 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

14488

200088116

Casts of different ages (0 to 160 days) of the slug Arion rufus L. after feeding on beech leaf litter (Fagus sylvatica L.) were investigated. Parameters measured were basal respiration (O2-consumption), microbial biomass (SIR) and microbial growth ability after C (glucose), CN, CP and CNP amendment. The specific respiration (qO2), the lag time and the decomposition time were also calculated. Basal respiration and microbial biomass initially increased but then it decreased in aging casts. Specific respiration of cast materials was exceptionally high at day 1 (43.4 ölO2/mg Cmic-C*h) and decreased with aging. In casts of an age of 1 day C was the primary limiting element and N and P were available for microbial growth. Between day 5 and day 20 the C amended microorganisms were limited by N and in addition CN amended microorganismen were limited by P. Floowing day 40 phosphate was mobilized in aging casts from beech leaf litter. Decomposition time in leaf litter casts was shorter than in leaf litter. Lag time and decomposition time increased with age of casts produced after feeding on each of the food materials but remained almost constant in beech leaf litter with aging.