ISSN:
1572-9680
Keywords:
Albizia stipulata
;
Alnus nepalensis
;
mass loss
;
soluble polyphenols
;
turnover time
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Litterfall and decomposition were studied in agroforestry systems involving large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata) in the Sikkim Himalaya, India. There were stands with N2-fixing trees (Alnus nepalensis over large cardamom, and Albizia stipulata over mandarin agroforestry) or without them (native non-symbiotic mixed tree species) in both systems. The total annual litter (litter + crop residue) production was higher in the Alnus-cardamom than in the forest-cardamom stand and in the mandarin than in the Albizia-mandarin stand. The ratio of litter production to floor litter was higher in the N2-fixing stands than in the non-N2-fixing stands, indicating a faster litter turnover in the former. Tree litterfall occurred throughout the year, but with marked peaks during November to April. Total soluble polyphenolics of fresh litter were higher in N2-fixing species than in mixed tree species and crops. Half-life values for ash-free mass were shortest in the leaves of N2-fixing species. N loss was higher from N2-fixing Alnus and Albizia leaves, whereas P loss was faster and nearly equal in Alnus leaf litter and cardamom residue in cardamom, and Albizia leaf litter and crop residue in mandarin agroforestry systems. The P turnover in N2-fixing Alnus and Albizia twigs was faster than in the twigs of mixed tree species. The N2-fixing tree species increased the N and P cycling through production of more above-ground litter and influenced greater release of these nutrients.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00044456
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