Litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in temperate forest of Kumaun region

Abstract

Background & Aim: The magnitude of litter fall and its decomposition in a forest ecosystem impart a crucial role in
nutrient supply to plant as well as microorganisms. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the
litter fall production, leaves litter decomposition and nutrient re-translocation among the dominant species i.e. Pine
and Oak, of temperate forest of Kumaun region. Results: The estimated annual litter fall production was significantly
23% higher in Pine stand than Oak stand. The maximum portion of litter fall was occurred in summer and dry period
between April-June. The nutrients concentration was higher in green leaves than leaves litter. Additionally, the
nutrients concentration was found to be high in green leaves as well as in leaves litter of Oak species. The
decomposition rate of leaves litter was found to high in Oak floor which is inversely proportional to the C/N ratio.
The nutrient immobilization for all the nutrients was found to be high in Pine stand. The nutrient re-translocation
percentage were in the order of P > K > N > Ca, in both the species that indicates the higher immobilization of
phosphorous and potassium in the region. Soil status is also responsible for litter decomposition. The soil MBC,
MBN, MBP, basal respiration and enzymes activity were higher in Oak stand which is directly correlated with the
decomposition rate. Conclusions: Our results suggested that different plant species growing in same climatic
condition differed in litter fall, litter decomposition and have different level of nutrients uptake and availability