The contribution of rodents to decomposition processes in a desert ecosystem.

Excavations made by desert rodents during the late non-growing season (April-August) accumulated litter amounts varying between 5.2-17.6 kg/ha and over a l-yr period 55.9 kg/ha of litter was buried in such excavations. There was a higher N content in litter in October, 17.6 + or - 0.5 mu g/g than the rest of the year, 13.5 + or - 1.4 mu g/g. Rodent excavating activity increases rates of decomposition and organic matter turnover and may effect the distribution of ephemeral plants in warm desert ecosystems. -from Authors