Studies on the Decomposition of Leaf Litter  of Polyalthia Longifolia (Sonner.) Thw. and  Rhododendron Arboreum Sm. at High and Low  Altitude Forest Stands of Meghalaya

Ruth Laldinthar; M. S. Dkhar

Volume : III, Issue : I, January - 2014

Studies on the Decomposition of Leaf Litter of Polyalthia Longifolia (Sonner.) Thw. and Rhododendron Arboreum Sm. at High and Low Altitude Forest Stands of Meghalaya

Ruth Laldinthar, M. S. Dkhar

Abstract :

Leaf litter decomposition of Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner.) Thw. and Rhododendron arboreum Sm. were studied at high and low altitude forest stands of Meghalaya using Bocock et al. (1960) litter bag method for a period of one year. Results showed that the rate of decomposition of both the leaf litter was higher at the high altitude forest stand than that at the low altitude forest stand. Of the two leaf litters, the rate of decomposition of P. longifolia was faster than that of R. arboreum. Significant positive correlations among moisture content, pH and the various chemical constituents of decomposing leaf litters were observed at both the forest stands.