9306758 Vogt This research addresses effects of wood decomposition on ecosystem processes in stream, riparian, and upslope locations in a tropical rainforest ecosystem. Manipulation of woody debris (removal and addition, as well as natural amounts of wood) will indicate the role of wood in vegetation growth, aquatic and terrestrial community structure, and nutrient cycling processes. Carbon and nutrient pools, mineralization and retention, plant growth, and community composition will be measured and compared among the treated plots. The five-year project will indicate the length of time wood continues to influence ecosystem processes. %%% Little is known about ecosystem responses to large inputs of woody debris following disturbances, especially in tropical ecosystems. Large woody debris decomposes relatively slowly and provides substrates and nutrients for a variety of organisms. Therefore, the large inputs of woody material following disturbances can influence ecosystem processes significantly over long time periods. This research will indicate the magnitude of effect of manipulated levels of woody debris in stream, riparian and upslope ecosystems in a tropical rainforest. ***
