Biotic and abiotic variables influencing plant litter breakdown in streams: a global study

Abstract

Lat, absolute decimal latitude; T, mean annual temperature (ºC); SLA, specific leaf area (cm2/g); PD, plant phylogenetic diversity; pH, stream pH; SW, stream width (cm); kmc, litter breakdown rate in coarse-mesh bags for litter mixtures; kmf, litter breakdown rate in fine-mesh bags for litter mixtures; kmd, detritivore-mediated litter breakdown rate for litter mixtures; kac, litter breakdown rate in coarse-mesh bags for alder; kaf, litter breakdown rate in fine-mesh bags for alder; kad, detritivore-mediated litter breakdown rate for alde