Litterfall and decomposition dynamics of six year old Bambusa balcooa Roxb. homestead block plantation in Palakkad, central Kerala

Abstract

The present study examined the litterfall, its decomposition and nutrient release dynamics of Bambusa balcooa. The litterfall and decomposition were estimated using standard techniques. The total annual litter production in this species was 4.06 4 t ha-1. Litter production followed a biphasic pattern with a major peak in February 2011 and minor peak in December, 2010. The rate of decomposition in B. balcooa litter was a good fit to exponential decay model. The decomposition rate constant of B. balcooa was 0.0115 day-1 and the half-life was 77 days. Litterfall and decomposition was influenced by the climatic factors like maximum temperature and rainfall. The release of nutrients from the decomposing litter was in the order Mg > N > Ca > P > K.