Interactive effects of elevated CO2 and nitrogen deposition accelerate litter decomposition cycles of invasive tree (Triadica sebifera)

Results suggest that elevated CO2 and N deposition impact litter cycling primarily through changes in litter quantity and quality with smaller effects via soils. Elevated CO2 and N deposition had strong positive effects on litter throughputs together due to synergistic positive effects on litter production and offsetting effects on decomposability. Although elevated CO2 and N deposition had consistent effects on native and invasive populations, the relative magnitudes of their effects on litter quantity and quality impacted litter cycling, suggesting the importance of considering plant trait variation in an overall estimation of global change effects on nutrient dynamics in forests and other ecosystems.