Abstract
Decomposition of leaf-litter of 3 tree species, two shrub species and a mixed-litter, derived from a mixed deciduous forest, was studied by measuring carbon dioxide evolution rates from soil. Predicted decomposition rates from total carbon dioxide production were correlated with various chemical constituents of the litters. Decomposition dynamics showed high initial rates for all the litter species. The overall decomposition per cent differed with the nature of plant species, being highest forGrewia (57·2%) and lowest forRhus (31·5%). The concentration of nitrogen, lignin, hydrogen and C∶N ratio had a major control on decomposition rates (r=0·92, −0·94, −0·98, −0·82,P<0·05 respectively).
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Rout, S.K., Gupta, S.R. Effect of chemical composition on leaf-litter decomposition in forest soil. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. 97, 399–404 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03053566
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03053566