Decomposition Dynamics of Perilla Leaves in a Hill Farming System

Abstract

Decomposition dynamics and N and P release from Perilla frutescence were assessed for suitability of its leaves to reincorporate into cropping systems for nutrient enrichment in the Indian Himalayan Region. Nitrogen concentration was greater in the green leaves of Perilla sp. and phosphorous in the freshly fallen leaf litter. Lignin concentration varied between 11.95 and 26.94% and registered an increase trend across altitudinal gradient. Decay pattern of Perilla leaf litter was similar at three different altitudes studied, an initial lag phase of 30 days, followed by an exponential rate of weight loss. Overall, the decay constant (k) was lower in the higher altitude (1082 m asl), as studied, and the altitudinal trend is synchronous with initial lignin concentration in the Perilla leaf litter. The study also indicated that the role of Perilla leaves in P recycling is greater than the recycling of N, therefore, reincorporation of Perilla residues could help in P enrichment through solubilization of P by microbial decomposition.

Decomposition and nutrient release pattern of three potential leguminous green manure crops of Mizoram

“…The lower decay rate of the species might be due to higher lignin, lignin/P and phenolic content. Similar study showed that although the nitrogen content was higher, Sharma et al (2018) reported lignin as the limiting factor for lower decay rate of Perilla leaf litter.…”