litter fall and litter decompositionjicrjournal.com/gallery/72-september-2123.pdfthe study area is...

LITTER FALL AND LITTER DECOMPOSITION

STUDY OF AZADIRACTA INDICA, L. AND

ALBEZIA LEBBACK, L. TREE SPECIES AT

SEMI-ARID REGION OF SIVAGANGAI. Anusiya Devi. A

#1, Bhuvan Sakthivel. M

*2, Koildhasan Manoharan

#3

Department of Botany, Raja Doraisingam Govt. Arts College, Sivagangai-630561, Alagappa University. Department of Botany, The

American College, Madurai -625 002, Madurai Kamaraj University.

*Prist Deemed University, Madurai Campus, Arasanoor, Sivagangai District, Tamilnadu, India – 630 561.

Email.Id: [email protected], Mobile: 9677832837

Abstract

Forests and grazing lands are play an important role in land stability of terrestrial ecosystem. Litter fall is the nutrient bank of

an ecosystem. It increases productivity and stability of an ecosystem. Litter decomposition is the major factor for soil nutrient. It

increases nutrient availability. Nutrient availability and stability of an ecosystem are depending on litter fall and litter decomposition and

productivity of an ecosystem. Litter fall increases accumulation of organic matter, Nutrient input to a system and litter decomposition act

as a nutrient bank of a system.

In the present study leaf litter fall and litter decomposition study were conducted for tree species like Albezialebbeck,

Azadiractaindicawhich are dominant and co-dominant species available in this region. Climatic diagram was drawn based on the

secondary data of Rainfall and Temperature collected from meterilogical department. It showed three climatic periods namely humid

period, drought period and moderate drought period. Maximum litter fall of AlbezialebbeckandAzadiractaindica in the month of January

and February respectively. It may be due to drought period during that time. Annual litter fall of Albezialebbeckwas higher than

Azadiractaindicamay be due its higher leaf production.

Plant growth regulators like Panchakavya, Humic substances, Vermi wash, Effective micro organisms (EMO’s) increased the

decomposition rate. Higher decomposition was observed in biomix which was prepared by the combination of Panchakavya, Humic

substance, Vermi wash, Effective micro organisms in 1:1:1:1 ratio. Higher decomposition rate helps the stability of the system. These

plant growth promoters increase the population of soil microbes which increase decomposition rate.

Keywords: Litter fall, Decomposition, Productivity, Ecosystem

I. Introduction:

Litterfall is the largest source of organic material that form humic substances and organic layers in forest ecosystem.

Forests and grazing lands play an important role in land stability of terrestrial ecosystem. Litter fall is the nutrient bank of an

ecosystem. It increases productivity, stability of an ecosystem. Litter decomposition is the major factor for soil nutrient. It

increases nutrient availability. Nutrient availability and stability of an ecosystem are depending on litter fall and litter

decomposition. Litter fall increases accumulation of organic matter, Nutrient input to a system and litter decomposition act as a

nutrient bank of a system.

Leaf litter decomposition is a Key factor to maintain nutrient bank of an ecosystem. Various factors control leaf litter

decomposition, including climate, topography, chemical characteristics of litter fall and terrestrial micro biota. Among those factors,

climate, especially temperature and precipitation, is a dominant factor determining leaf litter decomposition patterns in regions

experiencing distinct seasonal climate changes. Soil physical properties are various in every ecosystem with different species

composition. Leaf litter decomposition rate depend on plants species, microbial population, soil quality and climatic factor.

Decomposition of plant litter is a key process for the flow, recirculation and storage of energy, carbon and nutrient in ecosystems

and it is controlled by site conditions including temperature and precipitation, substrate availability and decomposition organisms.

Litter and soil organic matter represents one of the largest fluxes in the global terrestrial C cycle, contributing approximately 60 Pg

C/Yr and it can contribute significantly to annual CO2 emissions from vegetated ecosystems such as forests, crop lands and

grasslands.

Journal of Interdisciplinary Cycle Research

Volume XI, Issue IX, September/2019

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Litter production and decomposition are process linked through a positive feedback (Kitayamaet al., 2004). Decomposition

provides nutrients necessary for primary productivity by recycling organic matter, whereas the increase in plant biomass is

positively related to litterfall, providing substrate for decomposition (Swift et al.,1979). Therefore, the rate of decomposition may

regulate the cycle of matter in the plant community and litterfall measurement may be and indirect way to estimate net primary

productivity (Clark et al.,2001).

Litter bags have been used extensively to examine the importance of different drives and how they affect the nutrient and

mineral fluxes from the plant litter to the soil. The nutrients of litter addition to the soil are dependent on microbial decomposition

and leaching of minerals and soluble components followed by microbial oxidation of refractory component. The rate of

decomposition is influenced by a range of factors such as nature and abundance of microorganisms, physic-chemical properties of

soil, litter quality, climate, etc., Site edaphic conditions and litter quality are often considered as the most important factors for

controlling litter decomposition within a small area. Selected study area is dominated by two tree species like Albezialebbeck and

Azadiractaindica.

II. Materials and Methods

Study area

The study area is located at Sivagangai (9.9726˚N, 78.5661˚E) at an elevation of 102 M above mean sea level. The annual

rainfall was 836.5mm with a maximum rainfall in October and minimum in January. The mean maximum and minimum

temperature were 37.49ºC and 19.03ºC in April and June respectively.

The study was carried out during 2015-16 and 2016-17 for a period of 15 months.

The soil of these areas is sandy loam, water holding capacity of the soil is estimated to be 34.87%.The soil is slightly acidic

pH (6.47).

Rainfall & Temperature:

Semi arid regions of Tamil Nadu receive rain from both monsoons. The annual rainfall ranges from 60 to 100 cm.

Temperature varies from season to season. Mean average temperature ranges from 20˚ to 30˚ C. Based on the above

observation, present study is focused to study litter fall and litter decomposition of Albezialebbeckand Azadiractaindicathe dominant

species of in region.

Climatic diagram

Rainfall and Temperature data were collected from materialogical section of the public welfare department (PWD) at

Sivagangai. We collected the data for the past five year (2010-2015) based on this data we formulate the climatic diagram to

identified the different climatic period of the present study area.

The top line of the diagram consists of the station location, mean elevation above sea level (m), mean temperature (˚C),

mean annual precipitation (mm) and mean humidity (%). Numbers in parentheses below the station location indicate the years of

observations and the means are based upon temperature and precipitation. Mean monthly temperature (˚C, dashed line) and mean

monthly precipitation (mm, solid line) are graphed at a ratio of 1˚: 2 mm. Vertical shaded area (a) represents a humid period

defined by precipitation > temperature at the 2:1 scale. The stippled area (b) is a drought period defined by temperature >

precipitation at the 2:1 scale. The area shaded by horizontal dashes (c) represents a moderate drought period defined by graphing

precipitation and temperature at 1˚: 3 mm ratio. The solid area plots (d) precipitation on a scale reduced 10 times, (Figure 2).



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Figure 1. Climatic diagram of Sivagangai

Litter fall & Litter Decomposition:

Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindicalitters are collected in (50 × 50 cm) trap made by pits. Five litter trap pits were placed

randomly under the trees. Litter was collected and oven dried at 70 ˚c till constant dry weight (Biomass) obtained. Observation were

made for a year from November 2016 – 2017 December.

Decomposition of leaf litter was studied using the litter bag technique reported by Goulter and Allaway (1979).

Decomposition studies were carried out in Raja DoraiSingam Government Arts College campus. Sample of leaves weight 5 grams

were placed in bags (approximately 20 cm × 25 cm) made from serlon cloth (2 mm mesh size). At each site twenty-five litter bags

were threaded and buried in the soil. Rate of decomposition was calculated with the help of weight loss of the litter at a given period.

Effect of organic plant growth regulators on litter decomposition:

Effect of organic fertilizer on litter decomposition of Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica were tested. All plant growth regulators

diluted with water in 1:10 ratio. The diluted organic plant growth regulators treated with Albezialebbeckand Azadiractaindicaleaf

litter for decomposition study.

Biomix is a best eco-friendly organic plant growth promotor in organic farming and sustainable agriculture. Biomix

application with leaf litter treatment showed excellent result in leaf decomposition of Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica.Biomix

was prepared from Panchakavya, Humic substances, Effective micro organisms (EMO’s) and Vermi wash are taken in 1:1:1:1 ratio.

III. Results

Climatic condition

The study area is located at Sivagangai with an altitude of 102 M above sea level and having 28.23˚C mean Temperature

and 836.5mm annual Rainfall. It has three Climatic periods a-Humid period, b-Drought period, c-Moderate drought period, Humid

period was between June – December, drought period was in January and February. March and May show moderate drought period.



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Vegetation:

Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindicadominand tree species present in this study area. Litter fall and litter decomposition

study are carried out in the above mention species.

Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica vegetation litter fall.Leaf litter fall study carried out in the year 2016 January-

December.Albezialebbeck showed maximum litter fall (73.17 g/m2) in the month of January. Azadiractaindicashowed maximum

litter fall (68.54 g/m2) in the month of February.Albezialebbeck showed minimum litter fall (40.13 g/m

2) in the month of July.

Azadiractaindicaalso showed minimum litter fall (38.16 g/m2) in the month of July (Figure.2).

Figure. 2Albezialebbeckand Azadiractaindicamean monthlylitter fall (g/m2)

Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica showed an annual litter fall of 623.53 and 578.85 g/m

2 respectively (Figure.3).

Figure. 3Annual litter fall of Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica

Leaf Litter fall study during different climatic period

Maximum litter fall of Albezialebbeck (70.65g/m2) and Azadiractaindica litterfall (62.37 g/m

2)were observed during dr

ought period and minimum Litter fall of Albezialebbeck (47.52g/m2) and Azadiractaindiaca( 44.84g/m

2) were observed

during Humid period. (Figure.4).

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Lit

ter f

all

(g

/m2)

2016Albezia lebbeck Azadiracta indica

550560570580590600610620630

Albezia lebeck Azadiracta indicaAn

nu

al

Lit

ter f

all

(g

/m2)

Albezia lebeck Azadiracta indica



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Figure.4Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindicaleaf litterfall during different climatic period

Litter decomposition study:

Leaf litter bags of Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica and litter bags barred in soil at 10cm depth for decomposition study

are shown in plate 1 and 2.

Plate. 1Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica litter bags decomposition study

Plate. 2Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica litter bags buried under soil for decomposition study

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Humid period June-December

Drought period January-February

Moderate drought period

March&March

Mea

n m

on

thly

lit

ter

fall

(g

/m2)

Albezia lebbeck indica Azadiracta indica



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Daily decomposition rate during different months (mg/g/day)

Albezialebbeck maximum (96 mg/g/day) and minimum (18mg/g/day) were assure in the month of June and March

respectively. Similarly,Azadiractaindica maximum (124 mg/g/day) and minimum (4 mg/g/day) were observed in the month of April

and October respectively. (Figure.5).

Figure.5Albezialebbeckand Azadiractaindica–Daily decomposition rate during different months

Daily leaf Litter decomposition during different climatic period

Maximum litter decomposition of Albezialebbeck (0.8 mg/g/day) and Azadiractaindica (0.85 mg/g/day) were observed

during moderate drought period and minimum litter decomposition of Albezialebbeck (0.16 mg/g/day) and Azadiractaindiaca(0.26

mg/g/day) were observed during drought period respectively. (Figure. 6)

Figure.6Albezialebbeckand Azadiractaindicadaily leaf litter decomposition in different climatic period

Decompositionstudy with different growth promotors:

Different plant growth promotors like EMO’s, Panchakavya, Humic substance, Vermiwash and Biomix were treated with

Albezialabbeck and Azadiractaindica for decomposition study. The plant growth promoters are shown in plate.3

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Dec

om

po

siti

on

ra

te (m

g/g

/da

y)

Albezia lebbeck Azadiracta indica

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

Humid period June-December

Drought period January-February

Moderate drought period March&March

(mg

/g/d

ay

)

Albezia lebbeck Azadiracta indica



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Plate. 3 Panchakavya, EMO’s, Humicsubstsnces, vermin wash &Biomix plant growth promotors

Compare to control the Albezialebbeck decomposition rate shows 12% increase in Humic substance,17% increase in Vermi

wash, 23% increase Effective microorganisms (EMO’s), 29.3% increase in Panchakavya and 33% increase in Biomix respectively

likewise Azadiractaindica litter decomposition shows 15% increase Humic substance, 10% increase in Vermi wash, 17% increase in

Effective microorganisms (EMO’s), 25% increase panchkavya and 30% increase in biomass respectively. (Figure .7)

Figure.7Albezialebbeck leaf litter decomposition in various biological growth promoters

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

Control H.S V.W EMO PK Mix

(mg

/g/d

ay

)

Albezia lebbeck indica Azadiracta indica



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VI. Discussion

Leaf litter is the nutrient bank of an ecosystem. It increases productivity, stability of an ecosystem. Litter decomposition is

the major factor for soil nutrient. Litter decomposition increases nutrient availability. Nutrient availability and stability of an

ecosystem are depending on litter fall and litter decomposition rateKrishnan M.P, Mahesh Mohan (2017). Litter fall increases

accumulation of organic matter and nutrients to the upper soil layer. The litter on the soil surface acts as nutrient input and litter

decomposition acts as nutrient out put of a systemJohn J. Ewel, (1976). Humic acid comprised 22.7% of the C in the decomposed

litter. (Robert G., Qualls(2004). The inherent recalcitrance of humic substances might C tends to be stored for long periods in the

soil. Humic substances are complex macromolecules modified from plant compounds or newly sized during decomposition

(Stevenson, 1994).The rationale for using partially decomposed leaf litter was to allow the process of humification to produce humic

acids characteristic of decomposed organic matter. In a study of the formation and loss of humic substances during decomposition of

pine (Pinus strobus L.) litter during 13 yr in the field, most of the increase in humic acid content occurred during the first year, in

which 37% of the C was lost (Qualls et al., 2003).

Litter fall transfer organic matter, nutrients and energy from vegetation to soil have studied by John J. Ewel, (1976), Facelli,

J. M.and S.T.A. Pickett, (1991), Delitti, WBC., (1998). Litter production depends in the form of vegetation and the climate. Liu, et

al., (2005), Bray, J.R. and Gorham, E. (1964), Leitao-Filhoet al., (1993). Litter measurement may be an indirect way to estimate net

primary productivity Liu, et al., (2005). In the present study tree litter fall ofAlbezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica were studies.

Maximum litter production of Albezialebbeck and Azadiractaindica in the month of January – February may be due to drought

period in these months. Annual litter fall of Albezialebbeck was higher than Azadiractaindica may be due to high productivity

Clark, DA., et al., (2001): Mean monthly litter fall of different climatic period showed low litter production during humid period.

During humid period, trees become green due to rain fall, which decrease the leaf litter fall in that period. Higher litter fall observed

during drought period. It is due to water stress during that period Brasell, H. M., et al., (1980).The seasonal pattern of litter fall was

studied byLugo, A. et al., (1978), Agbim, N.N. (1987)reported that some tree species showed a positive correlation of litter with

maximum temperature. In the present study also, good correlation was observed between temperature and litter fall of

Albezialebbeck (r=0.86) and litter fall ofAzadiractaindica(r=0.81). Litter fall was strongly and positively correlation with

temperature. This finding is similar to the early reports of Hesse, P.R., (1961), Mall. L.P.et al., (1991), Melillo,J.M., et al., (1982).

Litter decomposition in mainly covered by nature of substrate, soil oxygen availability soil pH and microbial population

(Wieder, R.K., et al. (1983)Cartor, M.R., et al.,(1973). The difference in the decomposition rate of

Albezialebbeck&Azadiractaindica may be due to organic composition of the leaf litter of the above tree species Perez, C.A.et al.,

(2003). Vermitechnology is used to convert all the biodegradable wastes into useful product i.e. vermicompost, through the action of

earthworms (Ansari, 2011). Vermicompost is a sustainable bio-fertilizer regenerated from organic wastes using earthworm which

contains 1.2 to 6.1% more nitrogen, 1.8 to 2.0% more phosphate and 0.5 to 0.75% more potassium compared to farmyard manure. It

also contains auxins and cytokinins, enzymes, vitamins and useful microorganisms bacteria, actinomycetes, protozoans, fungi

(Ansari and Ismail, 2001). This process of decomposition results in the production of vermicompost. Vermicompost, or castings, is

worm manure. It is considered by many in farming arena to be the very good soil improver. The nutrient content of castings is

dependent on the material fed to the worms-and worms are commonly fed materials with high nutrient content (Ismail, 1997; 2005).

Higher lignin and chemical composition of the leaves will also result in slow decomposition of AzadiractaindicaHermansah, A.Z. et

al.,(2002), Ansari, A.A., (2011), Kanagaraj N, Et al., (2017). Decomposition rate was low during drought period may be due to low

microbial activity during that period Ansari, A.A. and S.A. Ismail, (2001). Positive correlation was observed between rainfall and

litter decomposition of Albezialebbeck (r = 0.78) andAzadiractaindica (r = 0.84).

Plant growth regulators increase the decomposition rate. It may be due to hormones and higher microbial population in the

growth regulators.



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V. Conclusion

Climatic factors play a major role in litter decomposition Plant growth hormones enhanced litter decomposition.

VI. Reference

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