Hello Geoff, Some other resources that have served as solid references over the years:
Swift MJ, Heal OW, Anderson JM (1979) Decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Stevenson FJ (1994) Humus chemistry: genesis, composition, reactions. Cadisch G, Giller KE (1997) Driven by nature: plant litter quality and decomposition. Berg B (2006) Litter decomposition: a guide to carbon and nutrient turnover. A wealth of research has been conducted along this theme and is still fertile territory today for its relevance in agricultural systems, its role in carbon sequestration and even in the supply of nutrients to aquatic systems. Great stuff that begins with death and decay. Enjoy! With best regards, Kye On Apr 12, 2011, at 7:59 PM, Geoffrey Patton wrote: > ? To what degree do trees self-fertilize by dropping leaves and building > their own humus ? They capture energy from the sun and nutrients from the air > (and soil) and some of that production feeds the soil upon which the > following year's growth depends. The soil biota processes the wastes, further > captures atmospherically-deposited nutrients, and makes it all newly > available for further growth, I would imagine. Apologies for being a marine > biologist but this seems like something that might have been researched > already. Yes or no? > > > > Cordially yours, > > Geoff Patton, Ph.D. > 2208 Parker Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902 301.221.9536
