Abstract
Nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) of beech leaf litter decomposed in vitro by 19 fungal isolates (6 of Basidiomycota, 7 of xylariaceous Ascomycota and 6 of other Ascomycota) were measured, and the mean values were compared among the taxonomical groups. The mean N concentration in the litter decomposed by Basidiomycota fungi (litter B) was not significantly different from that decomposed by the xylariaceous Ascomycota (litter XA) but was significantly higher than that decomposed by the other Ascomycota (litter OA). The mean P concentration of litter XA was significantly higher than that of litters B and OA. The mean Mg concentration of litter B was significantly lower than that of litters XA and OA. No significant differences were found in the mean K and Ca concentrations among the litters. These results were discussed in relation to the role of these fungi in nutrient dynamics during litter decomposition.
