Author(s)

Bagie George, Christopher Brandon, Michael Erwin

School of Science & Technology, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, USA.

Forested aquatic streams depend heavily on forest canopy input. This input is a primary resource for the macroinvertebrate fauna. As a result, changes in the canopy impact the aquatic ecosystem. The focus of this study was to identify leaf degradation rates to determine resource availability for invertebrate communities. Specifically, leaf degradation rates were determined for oak, poplar, maple and kudzu. Oak, poplar, and maple are established stream canopy vegetation while kudzu is an invasive species. By comparing leaf degradation rates of native vs. exotic leaves, it provides an insight to changes in community structure. Furthermore, these changes in the plant canopy biodiversity have long-term implications for stream health.

Exotic Species, Kudzu, Stream Health

George, B. , Brandon, C. and Erwin, M. (2017) Degradation Rates of Native versus Exotic Leaves in a Tributary of the Yellow River in Georgia. American Journal of Plant Sciences, 8, 1967-1976. doi: 10.4236/ajps.2017.88132.