Herbivores eat plants and excrete part of the nutrients in the form of feces and urine. Through this process they may accelerate nutrient cycling, as these nutrients become faster available than through senescence of plants. However, large herbivores also indirectly affect nutrient availability for plant growth by changing the plant nutritional composition, or by soil compaction through trampling. These effects will likely be different in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, herbivores can transport nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Several student topics are possible within the context of this project:
4-9 Months.