Leaf Litter Production of the Dry Deciduous Forest Ecosystem of Eastern Gir (Gujarat)

Abstract

Studies on the leaf litter production of dry deciduous forest ecosystem of Gir (Gujarat) indicated that Chhodavadi (Teak dominated) alone contributed major portion to the total litter production (3.68 t/ha). Other species which contributed to tbe litter production at various sites were Acacia citechu, Anogeissus latifolia, Buteo monosperma and Diospyros melanoxylon. The total leaf litter production of the eastern Gir Forest was found to be 10 17 t/ha, and the peak period of litter production was the month of February. It is concluded that tree density decisively affected litter production, with the exception at Tulasishyam site where inspite of high density of A. latifolia the leaf litter production was less.