of plant litter (Linkins et al., 1990a; Carreiro et al., 2000; Kourtev et al., 2002a). Lignin

content has been specifically correlated with decomposition rates (Meentemeyer, 1978;

Mellilo et al., 1989), especially when nitrogen (N) is readily available (Mellilo et al.,

1982; Taylor et al., 1989). Nitrogen content, presented as C:N or lignin:N are also often

used as predictors of litter decomposition rates (Mellilo et al., 1982; Taylor et al., 1989;

Sinsabaugh et al., 1993; DeBusk and Reddy, 1998; Carreiro et al., 2000) and may

influence the decomposition of large molecular weight organic matter (Sinsabaugh et al.,

1993; Carreiro et al., 2000). Phosphorus (P) availability has also been shown to control

decomposition rates in generally P-limited systems (Newman et al., 2001).

 Decomposition of organic matter is a community level process that involves

specific interactions within a microbial consortium (Sinsabaugh et al., 1991). The

advantage of enzyme assays is that they present specific information on one process in a

complex community. The microbial degradation of particulate organic matter, such as

plant litter, has been shown to be most influenced by the enzymes involved in

lignocellulose degradation, P cycling, and N cycling (Sinsabaugh et al., 1991; Sinsabaugh

and Moorhead, 1996), which are often considered the rate limiting steps in degradation

(Chr6st and Rai, 1993). Strong relationships have been established between

lignocellulose-degrading enzymes and litter mass loss rates among varying litter qualities

(Sinsabaugh et al, 1992a).

 Enzyme activities have the potential to affect all major wetland functions where

decomposition is low. Peat accumulation is dependent upon a lower rate enzymatic

activity resulting in C storage and inorganic nutrients remain sequestered within the

poorly degraded peat matrix when decomposition is low. This impairment of nutrient