Fytolitter

Fytolitter, or plant litter, refers to dead plant material that accumulates on or near the soil surface as a result of growth, senescence, and fall. It includes leaves, needles, twigs, fruits, seeds, and other plant parts, and may form a distinct litter layer on the soil (the O horizon) in many ecosystems.

Origin and composition: Litter originates from annual leaf drop, twig shedding, flowering remnants, and fruit fall. Its chemical composition varies by species and tissue type; common components include carbon, nitrogen, lignin, cellulose, and tannins. Material rich in lignin or tannins tends to decompose more slowly.

Ecological role: Fytolitter acts as a reservoir of nutrients and organic matter, influences soil moisture and temperature, and provides habitat for detritivores and microorganisms. As it decomposes, nutrients are released and incorporated into soil organic matter, supporting plant growth.

Decomposition and controls: Decomposition is driven by fungi, bacteria, and soil invertebrates, aided by physical fragmentation. Rates depend on litter quality (notably the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and lignin content), climate (temperature and moisture), and soil conditions. In many ecosystems, decomposition proceeds in stages—from readily available carbohydrates to more recalcitrant lignin—and can be influenced by differences between tropical and temperate climates. The presence of a thick litter layer can also affect fire risk in some regions.

Measurement and variation: Litter production is commonly estimated with litterfall traps or litterbag experiments to measure mass loss and nutrient release. Globally, turnover tends to be faster in tropical forests and slower in boreal and arctic systems, with human activity and land-use changes further altering litter dynamics.