<I>Eucalyptus</I> Litter Decomposition in Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Fungal decomposition of Eucalyptus litter in tropical dry deciduous forest was studied for three successive years. Succession of involved mycoflora and its frequency were noticed in two litter layers at quarterly intervals. Members of Phycomycetes, Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes were the weak colonizers whereas the Deuteromycetes were strong colonizer showing better adaptability and higher percentage distribution. Intially the C/N ratio was wide but wben the succession took place, the C/N ratio of Eucalyptus litter gradually decreased below 20 and slightly increased in the later stages of decomposition (35.5/3.02). A wide range of humidity and temperature were suitable for litter decomposition.