a small leaf pile will destroy the grass underneath it quickly, but an even thicker snow pile that lasts for months throughout the winter seems to have no effect. Why?

Question

Editing just to say thanks to everyone who has contributed. The responses make perfect sense!

In: Biology

Answer 1

Anaerobic conditions under the leaves too.

Snow allows air in.

Fun fact, the MOST decomposition in the world happens in that tiny layer of water between the snow and the ground and not in the tropics as people think.