Decomposition rate of some dominant tree species in Low montane forest of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, West Java-Indonesia

Abstract

The research of decomposition rate of Altingia excelsa Noroña, Schima wallichii (D.C.) Korth., Castanopsis acuminatissima (Bl.) A. DC., C. javanica (Bl.) A. DC., and Quercus lineata Blume was carried out in the low montane forest in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, West Java. The aim of the research was to examine the decomposition rate of dominant species and their role in the nutrient cycling. The decomposition rate of those dominant species was carried out by using the litterbag methods. The highest decomposition rate was observed for Q. lineata followed by C. javanica, C. acuminatissima, S. wallichii, A. excelsa and the mixed litter in Cikaniki research station. Meanwhile, in the Wates plot, the highest rate was observed for C. acuminatissima followed by C. javanica, Q. lineata, S. wallichii, A. excelsa and the mixed litter. This research shows that C. acuminatissima decomposed faster compared to other dominant species due to their litter quality combination of high nitrogen and low lignin content. Carbon and nitrogen released pattern were almost similar for the five dominant species. Based on the decomposition rate and the nutrient released pattern, it showed that the high litter decomposition rate of dominant species contributed to the rapid nitrogen released.