Weight loss patterns in decomposing litter of Coriaria nepalensis, an actinorhizal shrub from degraded land

Abstract

The present study deals with litter decomposition patterns in different components of Coriaria nepalensis Wall. Mature freshly-fallen leaves, twigs, roots and nodules of C. nepalensis were collected. The litter bag technique was used to assess weight loss and decay rate. Litter bags containing 5 g litter were placed under the canopy of C. nepalensis. Three litterbags per component were collected at monthly interval, brought to the laboratory, dried and weighed. Nodules decomposed very fast (63.9%) within 30 days followed by leaves (57.6% within 30 days) while decomposition of root was relatively slow, i.e. 53.2% within 210 days. The percent of material loss was 95.2% for nodule, 87.8% for leaves, 85.6% for inflorescence, 82.0% for twigs and 53.2% for root for entire duration. Decomposition rate coefficient (k) significantly ranged from 0.025/day (roots) to 0.101/day (nodules). The percent weight remaining was significantly affected by days elapsed, soil temperature and soil moisture.