LIGNINOLYSIS AND NITRIFICATION IN-VITRO BY A NITROTOLERANT AND A NITROPHOBIC DECOMPOSER BASIDIOMYCETE

We studied the decomposition of green needles of Pinus sylvestris by a nitrotolerant and a nitrophobic decomposer basidiomycete in vitro. We determined lignin breakdown and production of nitrate. The nitrotoler ant species Clitocybe metachroa caused a net degradation of lignin and simultaneously achieved a high nitrification rate, whereas the nitrop hobic species C. vibecina did not cause a net decrease in lignin and d id not produce nitrate. Ecological implications of both strategies in relation to competitive interactions between fungal decomposers are di scussed.