Decomposition dynamics of three priority bamboo species of homegardens in Barak Valley, Northeast India

Abstract

We investigated litter chemistry, and patterns of mass loss and nutrient release from leaf and sheath litter of three priority cultivated bamboo species, Bambusa cacharensis, B. vulgaris and B. balcooa, to understand litter decomposition. The study was conducted in a homegarden of Dargakona village in district Cachar, Assam, in northeast India. Leaf litter had higher concentrations of N, P and K than sheath litter, whereas sheath litter had higher carbon, ash free mass and cellulose. Percent weight loss decreased exponentially with time. Sheath litter had slower rates of mass loss than leaf litter. The pattern of N release was biphasic, P concentration exhibited an initial accumulation phase, and release of K occurred at all the stages of decomposition. We discuss the ecological significance of decomposition dynamics of bamboo litter – compared with litter of other cultivated tree species – for nutrient retention in homegardens.

Authors: Arun Jyoti Nath and Ashesh Kumar Das

 Journal Name and Issue: Tropical Ecology 52(3): 325-330 (IF: 0.76)

Year of Publication 2011