Production, decomposition and nutrient contents of litter in subtropical broadleaved forest surpass those in coniferous forest, Meghalaya

Abstract

Litter plays a crucial role in forest ecosystem functioning as its production and decomposition govern the pools and fluxes of forest nutrient cycling. The release of nutrients through litterfall and decomposition influences forest productivity. Therefore, these two factors are considered to be important indicators of forest ecosystem health. Such processes vary across different ecosystem types because of natural as well as anthropogenic factors. Hence, studying such processes would help in better understanding and management of forest ecosystems. Litter production and decomposition rates between a broadleaved and a coniferous forest ecosystem of Meghalaya in Northeast India were compared. We selected six subtropical broadleaved forest stands in Muthlong, Ialong, Nongbah, Mukhla, Nongkrem and Mawnai, and six adjacent coniferous forest stands dominated by pine. We estimated leaf litter production, decomposition and nutrient release, and analyzed the nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the litter of both the forest types. The study revealed that litter production and decomposition rates, and the litter nitrogen and phosphorous contents were significantly higher in the broadleaved forest compared to the pine forest. The variability in the litter characteristics was greater in the broadleaved forest compared to the coniferous forest indicating that the former is functionally more dynamic than the latter. Such dynamism in the broadleaved forest could be an important factor for providing greater ecological services compared to the coniferous forest, which nevertheless requires an in-depth study.