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Litter fall quantity, root density, biomass and decomposition rate in Dalbergia sissoo: a nutrient cycling perspective

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Research Paper 01/06/2017
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Litter fall quantity, root density, biomass and decomposition rate in Dalbergia sissoo: a nutrient cycling perspective

Hina Tariq, Nizami Syed Moazzam, Lubna Ansari, Iqra Naeem, Talal Asif, Abdul Raqeeb, Rukhsana Kausar
J. Bio. Env. Sci.10( 6), 38-49, June 2017.
Certificate: JBES 2017 [Generate Certificate]
Key: Dalbergia sissooLitter decompositionLitter fallRoot decomposition

Abstract

Plant litter decomposition plays a crucial role in the formation of soil organic material during nutrient cycling. This study determined the root density, biomass, decomposition rate and elemental composition of root and leaf litter in Dalbergia sissoo. Litter trappers were installed under the tree canopy and litter bag method was used to investigate the decay rate of roots and leaves. The study revealed significant difference (P<0.001) in leaves and roots decomposition over the time. It was revealed that root density and root biomass were 2.41×105 m ha-1 and 2 .0 t ha-1 respectively. The total litter production was 2.53 t ha-1 yr-1. The mass loss/decomposition of fine, medium and coarse roots during the year was 23.84, 18.68 and 36.377% respectively. The total leaf decomposition/mass loss during the year was 36.83%. The initial elemental composition percentage of carbon was high in leaves than roots whereas, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium concentrations were significantly higher in roots as compared to leaves. The results are helpful for future studies gearing towards the nutrient budgets in D. sissoo plantations.

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