Contrasting decomposition rates and nutrient release patterns in mixed vs singular species litter in agroforestry systems

Abstract

Purpose The rate of litter decomposition can be affected by a suite of factors, including the diversity of litter type in the environment. The effect of mixing different litter types on decomposition rates is increasingly being studied but is still poorly understood. We investigated the effect of mixing either litter material with high nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations or those with low N and P concentrations on litter decomposition and nutrient release in the context of agroforestry systems.