Weight Loss Of Dalbergia Latifolia Roxb. Leaf Litter and Releasing of Macro Nutrients in Dang Forest Ecosystem of Gujarat, India

Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. commonly known as Indian rosewood. It is the most valuable timber yielding plant in India. Litter decomposition of plants dead material provides a source of energy and nutrients in forest ecosystem. It is a fundamental ecological process that recycles nutrients, maintains soil fertility and supports the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. The present study was carried out to evaluate monthly weight loss of D. latifolia leaf litter during decomposition process by nylon litter bags in the Dang forest floor. Every month weight loss of leaf litter was recorded and releasing of macronutrients such as Na, N, P and K were estimated during decomposition of litter. The fast rate of litter decomposition was observed in the rainy season which was favourable climate for microbial activities. After one year decomposition process only 27.80% D. latifolia litter was remained in the litter bag. Decomposition constant (k) of leaf litter was 1.28 and turnover time required to decompose the residual litter was 323 days.