Plant species-specific litter decomposition rates are directly affected by tropospheric ozone. Analysis of trends and modelling
Litter decay is an important component of nutrient cycling processes in forest ecosystems, and its decomposition rates reflect functional adaptations among species. In this framework, tropospheric ozone (O3), which is recognised as a significant phytotoxic air pollutant, is one of the most important factors affecting forest health, and its effects on vegetation are species-specific. We used an O3-free air controlled exposure facility (O3-FACE) to quantify the effect of O3 fumigation (ambient air vs 1.4 × ambient air) on litter decay rates of leaves from three Quercus species: Q.