Decay Rates of Native and Invasive Tree Species Leaves in Aquatic and Terrestrial Sites

Abstract

In this study, we look at the decay rates of native and invasive tree species leaves in aquatic and terrestrial environments. We also determine if invasive tree species leaves influence the decay rates of native tree species leaves when they are physically near each other. We also investigate if geographical factors cause leaves to decay at different rates by examining the decay rates of similar tree species leaves in 4 different regions of the United States.