3 ms·
I've heard this argument a lot and it makes sense, but on the other hand isn't there a maximum limit to the amount of fuel(carbon?) that can accumulate? Fungus
by 01100011 6y ago
I've heard this argument a lot and it makes sense, but on the other hand isn't there a maximum limit to the amount of fuel(carbon?) that can accumulate? Fungus and detritivores must certainly play some role, no? Doesn't the shade provided by the big trees place some limit on what can grow beneath?
- ummonk 6y agoYes very much so. And you notice it the minute you enter an old growth redwood forest - suddenly the forest floor becomes largely barren of shrubbery and small trees, because the redwoods are soaking up the sunlight and nutrients.
- 01100011 6y agoYeah that's been my experience but since I've only been in 6-8 different groves I didn't want to generalize. Sure, fallen needles make a good portion of the floor beneath, and they may be rot-resistant enough to resist decay for a while, but at some point they're going to breakdown.