Decomposition of wild jack (<i>Artocarpus hirsutus</i> Lamk.) leaf litter under subcanopy and open conditions

Decomposition of wild jack (<i>Artocarpus hirsutus</i> Lamk.) leaf litter under subcanopy and open conditions

Authors

  • Sheeba Rebecca Isaac Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, Kerala
  • M. Achuthan Nair Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 695 522, Kerala

Keywords:

decay rate, homegardens, immobilization, nutrient release

Abstract

A comparative study on in situ and ex situ decomposition dynamics of wild jack (Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk.) leaf litter was conducted in a homegarden of Southern Kerala, India. Results of the litter bag study indicate that under the canopy 95% of the litter mass disappeared in about 17 fortnights, whereas in the open it took approximately 19 fortnights. Weight loss followed a negative exponential model and the half-lives were 9.45 and 10.31 fortnights respectively for in situ and ex situ decomposition. Earthworm and microbial counts were also substantially greater in the subcanopy than in the open, implying a favourable effect of the subcanopy conditions. Nutrient dynamics exhibited temporary phases of immobilization for both N and P, while K release was continuous.

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Published

28-10-2006

How to Cite

Isaac, S. R., & Nair, M. A. (2006). Decomposition of wild jack (<i>Artocarpus hirsutus</i> Lamk.) leaf litter under subcanopy and open conditions. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 42, 29–32. Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/110

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