Wetland plants absorb and assimilate large amounts of nutrients during their growth. They also obtain large amounts of energy through photosynthesis. While wetland plants are alive, little of the nutrients and energy stored within the plants is consumed by other organisms. Instead, much of this energy and nutrients is passed on only after plant senescence and death. Thus, plant litter decomposition is an important characteristic for determining a wetland's ability to retain and transform nutrients (i.e., purify water) and its ability to sustain higher trophic levels, including wildlife. Microorganisms growing on dead plants are strongly involved in the decomposition process. Our research will measure the importance of three major types of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and algae) associated with emergent plant decay, and investigate how their potential interactions affect overall plant litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in wetlands. Better understanding of plant decomposition could lead to new management strategies for wetlands.
