Leaf Decomposition Along a Longitudinal Gradient of the Lower Ogeechee River

Leaf litter decomposition and macroinvertebrate colonization of leaf litter were examined along a longitudinal gradient of the Ogeechee River in southeast GA. Leaf litter packs of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and oak (Quercus sp.) were placed at 4 sites along the Ogeechee River and retrieved at two week intervals for ∼56 days. Litter materials remaining in leaf packs were dried and weighted to estimate decay rates (-k). In addition, macroinvertebrates collected from leaf packs were sorted, identified to the lowest taxonomic level practical, and classified into functional feeding groups. The mean number of macroinvertebrates found in leaf packs was 171±43.20 SD for oak leaves and 132±70.88 SD.