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Abstract

Leaves fallen to the floor of a forest undergo a slow process of decomposition. This is brought about through the action of numerous organisms, with microorganisms playing a dominant role. Eventually, a thoroughly decomposed state is reached, the organic residue becomes part of the soil, and the nutrients may again be available to plants.

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© 2000 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Strom, P.F., Finstein, M.S. (2000). Leaf Composting. In: Kuser, J.E. (eds) Handbook of Urban and Community Forestry in the Northeast. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4191-2_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-4191-2_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6880-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-4191-2

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