Litter Decomposition in Eucalyptus and Pines Plantations and Natural Sal Forests Related to Micro-Arthropods in Different Season in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The rate of decomposition was highest in litter of sal (0.0105 g g^-1 day^-1 ) than eucalyptus (0.0102 g g^-1 day^-1 ) and pines (0.0090 g g^-1 day^-1 ) in Amarkantak (M.P.). The number of microarthropods were more in sal than eucalyptus and pines and diversity of micro-arthropods were also higher in sal (1.4520) than eucalyptus (1.2778) and pines (1.3661). Micro-arthropods multiply during rainy season when the rate of litter decomposition is maximum. As decomposition proceeds, the composition of the litter continuously changes, creating new condition for the decomposing organisms. The fast disappearance rate of litter during rainy season might be due to accelerated growth of microbial population as well as their activities to decompose the material in presence of sufficient moisture and optimum temperature, while it was moderate in the season and at a very low rate in the summer season.