Leaf litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics in four tree species of dry deciduous forest

The present study was conducted in a tropical dry deciduous forest at Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release were studied in four tree species viz., Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn.f., Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel., Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. and Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken. The objectives of the study were to determine the weight loss and nutrient mineralization pattern of leaf litter of these four major species. The weight loss was fastest in S. robusta and slowest in M. indica. Monthly weight loss was positively related (P < 0.05) with the climatic factors (rainfall, temperature and relative humidity) except for M. indica for which the relationship was not significant. Weight remaining was inversely related (P < 0.01) to N and P concentrations, but was positively related to K concentration. The nutrient content in the residual litter decreased 'continuously with time for all species, except in the case of P for S. robusta and D. melanoxylon. We conclude that S. robusta decomposed at fasters rate followed by D. melanoxylon, S. oleosa and M. indica. The former species also released the two important nutrients (N and P) at a faster rate as compared to the other species. M. indica showed the slowest decomposition rate and nutrient release.