Arid Zone Research ›› 2025, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (7): 1269-1278.doi: 10.13866/j.azr.2025.07.10

• Plant Ecology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effects of meteorological factors on the litter decomposition of the fungal endophyte Stipa purpurea symbiont in alpine grassland

GUO Qiang1(), WANG Yuqin2, SONG Meiling2()   

  1. 1. Xinghai County Meteorological Bureau, Xinghai 813300, Qinghai, China
    2. Academy of Animal and Veterinary Science of Qinghai University, Xining 810016, Qinghai, China
  • Received:2025-03-27 Revised:2025-04-15 Online:2025-07-15 Published:2025-07-07
  • Contact: SONG Meiling E-mail:gq0971@hotmail.com;meilings@163.com

Abstract:

Litter decomposition has an important role in the carbon and nutrient cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. Climatic conditions are the main factors involved in litter decomposition. Currently, few studies have examined litter decomposition in alpine grassland ecosystems. To determine the effects of meteorological factors on the litter decomposition and nutrient release processes under a climate change background, the Stipa purpurea endophytic fungal symbiont was used along with the litter decomposition bag method to analyze the decomposition characteristics with endophytic fungi (E+) and without endophytic fungi (E-). The effect of meteorological factors on the decomposition rate of Stipa purpurea was analyzed. The results indicated that the decomposition rate of E+ was higher compared with that of E-, whereas the decomposition cycle was shorter. With the extension of time, the total nitrogen content of Stipa purpurea showed an increasing trend, lignin content gradually changed from significantly higher in E+ to no significant difference between the two, and the cellulose content gradually changed from significantly lower in E+ compared with E- (P<0.05). Regardless of endophytic fungi, the litter weight and mass loss rate of Stipa purpurea were correlated with the mean monthly temperature and the mean ground temperature (P<0.05). Precipitation was positively correlated with the litter decomposition rate of Stipa purpurea, and the total nitrogen content of the litter was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation (P<0.05). The lignin and cellulose content were negatively correlated with temperature and precipitation. The duration of sunshine had a positive effect on the decomposition of litter, and the lignin, cellulose, and litter weight content were strongly correlated with sunshine duration. Overall, endophytic fungi accelerate the decomposition of Stipa purpurea litter. For E+ and E-, the effect of meteorological factors on the decomposition of Stipa purpurea litter was consistent.

Key words: Stipa purpurea, endophytic fungi, litter decomposition, meteorological factors, alpine grassland