Deadwood in the beech forest near the ecological station of the University of Würzburg. Fungi have set about decomposing the logs. (IMAGE)

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Deadwood in the beech forest near the ecological station of the University of Würzburg. Fungi have set about decomposing the logs.

Caption

The speed at which deadwood decomposes in forests depends on the climate as well as on fungi and insects. An international research team has now determined the annual contribution made by deadwood to the global carbon cycle and quantified the importance of insects in the decomposition of wood for the first time. - Here you can see deadwood in the beech forest near the ecological station of the University of Würzburg. Fungi have set about decomposing the logs.

Credit

Sebastian Seibold

Usage Restrictions

Free for use in reporting on TUM

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.