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VOL. 6, ISSUE 5 (2021)
A study of decomposition dynamics of different leaf litter in tropical trees and its enhancement
Authors
Lasitha K, Arul Sheeba Rani
Abstract
The objective of the study was accomplished to determine the rapid decomposition rate of lignin by integrating efficient microbes and changes in the leaf litter of selected tropical tree species in a particular ecosystem. Initial concentrations of lignin, organic matter of litter (OM), Organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N), ash contents were analysed 30, 60- and 90-days using a litterbag experiment. Litterbags containing 50 gm of the shade-dried sample were incubated under laboratory condition. Litter decomposition rates with existing microbes and effect of decomposition rate withTrichoderma koningiopsisand nutrient release (N) were analysed in each litterbag. The decomposition rate was highest in Senna siamea, (R=0.0051) at 30 days(R=0.0042) at 60 days and (R= 0.0038) at 90days and lowest in Acacia auriculiformis (R=0.0035) 30 days, (R= 0.0033)60 days and (R= 0.0032) 90days compared to other species.Maximum reduction was observed by integrating Trichoderma koningiopsis; 90% of lignin has degraded in 30 days; another 15 % reduction in litter weight in 60 days, and the remaining 12% reduction in litter weight in 90 days have occurred. However, the efficiency of microbes could accelerate the decomposition at faster rate and reduce the accumulation and period of degradation. This in turn increases the nutrient release, restoration of ecological balance in nutrient table. Also, it is evident that the decomposition rate is highly dependent on lignin percentages of the biomass.
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Pages:361-369
How to cite this article:
Lasitha K, Arul Sheeba Rani "A study of decomposition dynamics of different leaf litter in tropical trees and its enhancement ". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 6, Issue 5, 2021, Pages 361-369
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