Litter degradation and soil carbon fractions in a tropical mountain cloud forest, Western Ghats, India

The ecological processes such as leaf litter decomposition and soil respiration are primary pathways in terrestrial ecosystems that regulate the cycling of matter, such as the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and nutrient mineralization into soil. The quantity of litter and its decomposition determines the quantity of carbon (C) stored in the forest floor. However, such studies in the tropical forests of India are lacking. Considering the importance, the present study was undertaken to quantify the C dynamics and soil fertility status of Mannavan Shola, a part of Anamudy Shola National park in the Western Ghats, Kerala State. Very less studies are available on the litter degradation and the C sequestration potential of Shola forests globally. Surface and subsurface soil samples were collected and assessed for geochemical parameters and various carbon fractions. Also a field experiment using litter bag was conducted to understand the litter degradation potential of the ecosystem. The soils of Shola forest have high SOC value which is related with high litter content. The mass loss of litter during decaying was 14 to 27%. The average CO2 evolution from the soil was 11.67 mu g mol (CO2 m(2) s(-1)) per day. The microclimatic conditions such as soil and atmospheric temperatures of Shola forest ecosystems heavily influenced plant litter decomposition and soil respiration within the global C cycle.