Litter Production and Leaf Litter Decomposition Dynamics in an Age Series <I>Tectona grandis</I> Linn. F. Plantations of Moist <I>Tarai</I> Sal Forest

Abstract

Teak plantations (1, 5,11,18, 24 and 30 year old) growing outside its natural zone in 'Tarai' moist sal forest was selected for studying litter production and leaf litter decomposition dynamics and impact of physical attributes and environmental factors. Litter fall was studied by litter trap method and litter decomposition by litter bag method. Litter input varied from 1.71 ha^-1yr^-1 (one year old) to 6.4 t ha^-1y^-1 (30 year old). Bulk of the litter was in the form of leaf litter (87.7 - 100 %) followed by wood (00 - 15.6 %) and reproductive parts' litter (00 - 3.3 %). Winter was the peak period while rainy season was the lean period of litter fall. Age, density and basal area did not show any definite relationship with litter production independently. Colour alteration in litter and variation in nutritional status were found very distinct. Decay rates indicated that approximately 54%teak litter decomposed in first sixmonths, starting from July. Nitrogen and phosphorus were found to be increased with the advancement of litter degradation.