Litter decay is an important component of the nutrient cycling process. Plant litter (detrital carbon) is at once the main structural material and the energy currency supporting aquatic ecosystems. The quantity and quality of plant litter decomposing in aquatic environment determines the nature and productivity of the entire ecosystem, from bacterial and fungal decomposers to benthic invertebrates and fish. Detrital carbon also creates a strong connection between wetlands, rivers or streams and the terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore the investigation of plant litter decomposition is an important aspect of the analysis of ecosystem function.
A group of scientists studying decomposition of plant litter in aquatic freshwater environment have been presented their research results and methodological experiences since 1997 on PLPF (Plant Litter Processing in Freshwater) meetings, organised in Bilbao (Spain) 1997, Lunz/am See (Austria) 1999 and Szentendre (Hungary) 2002.
This special issue contains contributions given on the 3 rd PLPF meeting (September 7-12, 2002, Szentendre/Hungary), attended by 36 colleagues from 11 countries with 11 oral and 8 poster contributions. The submitted papers were internationally refereed before publiacations. The guest editors are Prof. ÁRPÁD BERCZIK and Dr. MÁRIA DINKA.