Open AccessAssessment of Leaf Litter Production in Tropical Trees
Author(s) -
P. Nivethadevi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal for research in applied science and engineering technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2321-9653
DOI - 10.22214/ijraset.2021.35747
Subject(s) - acacia auriculiformis , acacia mangium , litter , plant litter , acacia , biology , evergreen , evergreen forest , tropics , agronomy , deciduous , tectona , botany , nutrient , ecology
Litter is the layer of detached dead plant material present on the surface of the soil. It plays an imperative part in the nutrient budgeting in agroforestry system. The quantum of litter produced varies with species and also seasons. Generally the litter production will be more during summer and less during monsoon times. Further the nature of the tree species like evergreen and deciduous will also influence litter production. In the present study, 10 tree species commonly found in farm lands were identified and selected from the experimental plot, which was located in Southern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu and the soil type is alfisol with a pH of 6.0. The age of the trees was 10 years. The litter collection was done throughout the year on monthly basis and quantities produced were recorded. The data recorded were subjected to statistical analysis. The results revealed the following. Acacia auriculiformis produced a maximum leaf litter of 10.0 t/ha/year followed by Senna siamea. Summer season had more litter (3.55 kg/tree) followed by winter (1.54 kg/ha). A maximum mean monthly litter of 2.54 kg/tree was recorded in Tamarindus indica followed by Acacia mangium (0.76 kg/tree). Senna siamea and Gliricidia produced leaf litter throughout the year. Tamarind produced a maximum annual litter of 30.42 kg/tree followed by Acacia mangium (9.07 kg/tree).