Decomposition in soil of soluble, insoluble and lignin-rich fractions of plant material from tobacco with genetic modifications to lignin biosynthesis

We have shown significant effects of targeted lignin modification on decomposition in laboratory studies over a relatively short period (<74 d). The effects of genetic modification can be explained in part at least by alterations in the amount, composition and conformation of the lignin and the effect it has on other, more labile, components. However, longer-term and more detailed field-based investigations are needed before the wider ecological significance of the differences in decomposition can be properly assessed.