Nitrogen Release Pattern in Decomposing Oak and Pine Litter in Nainital Hills India

Abstract

Nitrogen content in decomposing oak and pine leaf litter was investigated for Central Himalayan forests. Leaf litter placed at pine forest site decomposed slowly and that of oak decomposed faster. Release of N was slower in Pinus roxburghii compared to Quercus lanuginosa. However, the magnitude of N immobilization was greater in Pinus roxburghii compared to Quercus lanuginosa. The oak forest favour external cycling, maximising release of N, whereas pine forest favour internal cycling minimizing the loss to the environment.