01703nas a2200145   4500008004100000245017100041210006900212300001300281490000700294520107500301653002201376100001501398700001601413856012801429       1986                        eng d00aComparison of mass loss, nutrients, and invertebrates associated with elm leaf litter decomposition in perennial and intermittent reaches of tallgrass prairie streams0 aComparison of mass loss nutrients and invertebrates associated w  a511 -5200 v313 a<p>Decay rates, nutrient content and invertebrates associated with American elm leaves were examined in an intermittent and a perennial stream draining adjacent tallgrass prairie watersheds (Konza Prairie, Kansas). Both streams were flowing in November 1981 when leaf packs were placed in the channel. Elm leaves decayed faster in the perennial stream than in either of two intermittent sites. Decay rates were not different between the two intermittent sites. There were no significant differences among sites in either nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) concentrations or carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios in elm leaves. N concentrations of the leaves increased during decomposition whereas P decreased in concentration for the first two months and then increased; C:N ratios in elm leaves decreased during decomposition. Initial leaching of leaves may provide a nutrient input into prairie streams; but decomposing leaf material may also act as a nutrient sink and compete with other ecosystem processes. Shredder insects were low in abundance or absent from leaf packs</p>10atallgrass prairie1 aTate, C.M.1 aGurtz, M.E.  uhttp://lter.konza.ksu.edu/content/comparison-mass-loss-nutrients-and-invertebrates-associated-elm-leaf-litter-decomposition