Litter decomposition rate and nutrient release from different litter forms in a Himalayan alpine ecosystem |
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Authors: | Neelam Rawat B P Nautiyal M C Nautiyal |
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Institution: | (1) High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar, Post Box No. 14, Srinagar (Garhwal), 246174, Uttarakhand, India;(2) Department of Horticulture, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (HAMP), School of Earth Sciences (ES) and Natural Resources Management (NRM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, India |
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Abstract: | Observations on above ground litter decomposition and nutrient release in alpine ecosystem of the Himalaya were carried out.
Monthly variation was observed for above ground litter crop and it was higher in the protected sites (PR) when compared with
unprotected sites (UNPR). Turnover rate (TR) and time (TT) was also higher in PR sites and it corresponded to maximum net
accumulation of standing dead and litter biomass. This resulted into low litter disappearance and therefore, low nutrient
fluxes as well. Comparatively, potassium content was a maximum followed by N and OC in above ground crop of litter with significant
variation among the sites (P < 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). It was observed that only 9–12% litter of various categories was decomposed annually at
the rate of 0.1–0.13%. Overall, decomposition process was a maximum during active growth season and only 13.2–16.2% of total
litter was decomposed during the winter months (December–March). Release of OC and NPK to soil organic matter through the
decomposition of various litter types was also observed and the pattern of release was similar to that of disappearance channel.
All these parameters are reported and possible reasons are described in the present paper. |
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