Storage and decomposition of particulate organic matter along the longitudinal gradient of an agriculturally-impacted stream

Abstract

An agriculturally-impacted stream in northern Idaho was examined over a two-year period to determine seasonal and longitudinal patterns of the storage and decomposition of particulate organic matter. Biomass of benthic organic matter (BOM) was considerably less than values reported in the literature for comparable, undisturbed streams. Coarse, fine, and total benthic particulate organic matter were not correlated with parameters pertaining to stream size (e.g., stream order), but were correlated with sample site and amount of litterfall. The association of BOM with site and litterfall suggests that storage of particulate organic matter is a function of local characteristics rather than stream size. Low biomass of stored organic matter is a response to the low input of terrestrially-derived organic matter resulting from removal of climax vegetation.

Leaf packs of alder, Alnus sp., were placed in the stream seasonally for 30 and 60 d. While there were significant differences for months, there was no significant difference among sites for leaf packs exposed for 30 d. Significant differences were observed among both sites and months for leaf packs exposed for 60 d; however, differences among sites accounted for only 5% of the variance. The absence of differences in decomposition of organic matter along the gradient of Lapwai Creek, despite heterogeneity of the drainage basin and availability of organic matter, may be in response to the overall low biomass of stored benthic organic matter. This study demonstrates that agricultural activity can substantially influence instream heterotrophic processes through reduced availability of organic matter and can shape community structure and ecosystem dynamics of streams flowing through agricultural drainage basins.