Decomposition of [14C]lignocelluloses of Spartina alterniflora and a comparison with field experiments

Decomposition of lignocelluloses from Spartina alterniflora in salt-marsh sediments was measured by using 14C-labeled compounds. Rates of decomposition were fastest in the first 4 days of incubation and declined later. Lignins labeled in side chains were mineralized slightly faster than uniformly labeled lignins; 12% of the [side chain-14C]lignin-labeled lignocellulose was mineralized after 816 h of incubation, whereas only 8% of the [U-14C]lignin-labeled lignocelluloses were degraded during this period. The carbohydrate moiety within the lignocellulose complex was degraded about four times faster than the lignin moiety; after 816 h of incubation, 29 to 37% of the carbohydrate moiety had been mineralized. Changes in concentration of lignin and cellulose in litter of S. alterniflora were followed over 2 years of decay. Cellulose disappeared from litter more rapidly than lignin; 50% of the initial content of cellulose was lost after 130 days, whereas lignin required 330 to 380 days for 50% loss. The slow loss of lignin compared with other litter components resulted in a progressive enrichment of litter in lignin content. The rates of mineralization of [14C]lignocelluloses in marsh sediments were similar to the rates of lignocellulose decomposition in litter on the marsh