Isopods are important macro decomposers.
Litter quality affects the composition and activity of decomposing soil organisms and exhibits a major control over litter turnover and nutrient cycling. In this project we address the effects of plant species diversity and increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration on litter quality and the activity of litter feeding macro arthropods. Sofar, we found that litter quality differs among species and is affected by elevated CO2. The aim of ongoing research is to quantify the interactive effects of litter species diversity and macro decomposer activity on microbial decomposition and nutrient turnover. Isopod effects on decomposition of litter produced under elevated CO2, N deposition and different soil types.