Nutrient Cycling in Moist Deciduous forest- Litter Production and Nutrients Return

Litter production and nutrients return in a tropical moist deciduous forest (Grewia-Dalbergia community) of the Western Ghats was studied. Litter fall was observed throughout the year with maximum fall during January and February. Average annual litter production amounted to 14220 kg/ha, of which leaf litter contributed 10754 kg/ha. Grewia tiliifolia being the dominant species in the community it contributed maximum leaflitter (1739 kg/ha) followed by Pterocarpus marsupium (1465 kg/ha), Dalbergia paniculata (1173 kg/ha) and D. latifolia (923 kg/ha). Shrubs and herbs contributed 39% of total leaf litter With regards to nutrients, leaf litter had the highest percentage concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Among the species,Anogeissuslatifolia had the higher concentration of nitrogen (2.7) when compared to other species. On an annual basis 238 kg/ha of N, 9 kg/ha of P and 89 kg/ha of K were returned through litter fall. The litter production as well as nutrients input through litter fall in the present community was much higher than those reported from other communities.