Decomposition

Synopsis

What happens to the leaves which fall in an oak woodland? The decomposition of leaves, and the recycling of the mineral nutrients back to the trees, is a complex process carried out by millions of tiny animals and thousands of kilometres of fungi. Dr John Anderson of the University of Exeter shows his experimental work in the field and in the laboratory, investigating the influence of some of these organisms and their interactions with fungi. Shows the effects of some soil invertebrates (millipedes, woodlice and earthworms) on nitrogen mineralization from oak leaf litter.

Series

Ecology, Course S326

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Biology; Environmental science

Keywords

ecosystems; leaves

Credits

Producer

Tony Jolly

Cast

John M Anderson

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

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