Monolitter

Monolitter is a term used in ecology to denote plant litter that originates from a single species, i.e., monospecific litter, in contrast to litter mixtures collected from multiple species. The concept is most often encountered in decomposition and nutrient cycling studies where researchers aim to isolate the influence of litter quality on decay processes.

In typical experiments, monolitter is collected from one species, dried, and placed in litterbags of fixed mesh size and known area, then deployed on soil surfaces or lightly incorporated into the soil under controlled environmental conditions. Researchers measure mass loss over time and may analyze changes in carbon and nitrogen content, mineral nutrient release, and shifts in microbial community activity. Additional assessments can include enzyme activities, spectroscopy, or molecular analyses to understand decomposition pathways.

Compared with mixed-litter treatments, monolitter provides a clear test of how a single litter type decomposes, but it may not reflect natural decomposition, which involves diverse litter inputs and potential non-additive interactions. Limitations include reduced biodiversity, context-dependency of results, and the risk that findings do not generalize to ecosystems with heterogeneous litter inputs.

Etymology and usage: the term is descriptive rather than standardized; some studies refer to monospecific litter, monolitter litterbag, or monolitter treatments. See also leaf litter, litterbag, and decomposition.