Research Article | Published: 01 September 2002

Litter dynamics in the selected Shola forests of Nilgiri hills of Western Ghats

K. Vidyasagaran, K. Gopikumar and M. Ajithkumar

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 25 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 304-309 | 2002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2002-5JG5N2 | Cite this article

Abstract

The present study revealed that the litter production in the shola forests of Nilgiri hills of Western Ghats is 2132 kg/ha/yr of which contribution of leaves was maximum. Nutrient concentration in the litter indicated that among components, highest concentration of N was found in leaves while P and K was maximum in reproductive parts and fruits respectively. Among different nutrients, N returned maximum while P the least. Among different litter components, leaves returned maximum amount of all the nutrients. Decomposition study indicated that 77 per cent of original leaf biomass was lost within one-year period. Slow initial mineralisation of N and rapid mineralisation of P and K is also evident from the decomposition study.

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How to cite

Vidyasagaran, K., Gopikumar, K. and Ajithkumar, M., 2002. Litter dynamics in the selected Shola forests of Nilgiri hills of Western Ghats. Indian Journal of Forestry, 25(3), pp.304-309. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2002-5JG5N2

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 September 2002

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