Litter dynamics of six multipurpose trees in a homegarden in Southern Kerala, India

Abstract

Multipurpose trees, the integral components of homegardens, contribute significantly to the closed nutrient cycling processes and sustainability of the ecosystem. Although, the litter production and probable nutrient returns via litter in homegardens have been documented, quantification and characterization of the decomposition and bioelement release from the litter have received relatively little scientific attention. The objective of the present study is to explore the litter dynamics of six locally important multipurpose trees (Mangifera indica L., Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk., Anacardium occidentale L., Ailanthus triphysa Dennst., Artocarpus hirsutus L. and Swietenia macrophylla L.), in an agroforestry homegarden in Southern Kerala, India. Litterfall and nutrient additions in the six species ranged from 383 to 868 g m À2 yr À1 , nitrogen, 6.4 to 8.8, phosphorus, 0.17 to 0.42 and potassium, 1.1 to 2.8 g m À2 yr À1 . The annual litter output in the homegarden was 425 kg with A. hirsutus, M. indica, A. heterophyllus and A. occidentale recording significantly higher litter and nutrient additions. Leaf litter decay studies revealed A. heterophyllus and A. occidentale to be the most labile litter species and S. macrophylla the most recalcitrant. The decay rate coefficients varied significantly among the species. Foliage decomposition rates related to the initial chemical composition of the litter revealed best correlation with lignin. NPK release was almost complete by the end of decay in all species inspite of the initial phases of accumulation observed for nitrogen and phosphorus. Two-way analysis of variance test revealed significant differences in the contents of the three elements as a function of species and time elapsed. Macronutrients were released in the order K > N/P. The higher rates of decay and nutrient turnover in M. indica, A. heterophyllus and A. occidentale foliage indicated the potential of using these species' litter as nutrient inputs in agriculture while A. triphysa, A. hirsutus and S. macrophylla perform better as organic mulches taking a longer time for decay and hence nutrient release.

Litterfall deposition and leaf litter nutrient return in different locations at Northeastern Mexico

“…Litterfall and litter decomposition are key processes in nutrient cycling of forest ecosystems (Baker et al 2001;Isaac and Nair 2006). In addition to these processes, throughfall and stemflow are the main sources to maintain soil fertility to the forest floor (Vasconcelos and Luizão 2004).…”

Litterfall Production and Nutrient Deposition Through Leaf Fallen in three Tamaulipan Thornscrub Communities, North-eastern Mexico

“…The results of the present study reveals also that there is a great variability in the deposition of litterfall and the contents of macronutrients derived from the decomposition of literfall among differnt sites exhibiting diversity in vegetation and weather conditions during the two years of study. In this context the importance of littefall in the contribution of macro-and micronutrients for the growth of forest ecosystem has been well documented (Jorgensen et al, 1975;Lugo et al, 1990;Isaac and Nair, 2006). The litterfal and its decomposition contribute to the main transfer of organic matter and nutrients to the soil surface (Isaac and Nair, 2006).…”

“…In this context the importance of littefall in the contribution of macro-and micronutrients for the growth of forest ecosystem has been well documented (Jorgensen et al, 1975;Lugo et al, 1990;Isaac and Nair, 2006). The litterfal and its decomposition contribute to the main transfer of organic matter and nutrients to the soil surface (Isaac and Nair, 2006). Besides, nutrient fluxes occur via throughfall and stem flow (Silva and Gonzalez, 2001) to the forest soil.…”

“…Litterfall and its further decomposition are the main fundamental processes in nutrient cycling, which represent the main transfer of organic matter and nutrients to the soil surface (Isaac and Nair, 2006). Besides, throughfall Full Research Article and stemflow (Silva and Gonzalez, 2001) are the main source of natural fertilization to forest soil.…”

Dinámica de las concentraciones de carbono y nitrógeno en la descomposición de hojarascas de cultivos subtropicales del sureste de España

“…El porcentaje de N remanente al final del estudio fue para chirimoyo y aguacate 71,2 y 56,8 %, respectivamente. En este mismo contexto, en condiciones tropicales Musvoto et al (2000) obtuvieron inmovilizaciones netas de 1,95 veces la concentración inicial de N para mango, Por otra parte, Rebecca et al (2006) obtuvieron un patrón de aumento de la concentración de N y P en la hojarasca de mango, en un ensayo llevado a cabo en los así denominados "homegardens", seguido de una disminución posterior, al igual que en nuestro experimento (aumento neto durante los ochos primeros meses y posterior liberación). Murovhi et al (2012) estudiaron la hojarasca producida por mango y aguacate, así como la calidad de dicha hojarasca, pero no realizaron un ensayo de enterramiento de bolsas y evolución en el tiempo, Estos autores obtuvieron una concentración inicial de C y N de 44,9 y 0,94 % y de 47,9 y 1,18 % para mango y aguacate, respectivamente.…”