Litterfall dynamics and decomposition-driven nutrient cycling in sacred forests of Eastern India
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Litterfall and decomposition are pivotal processes governing nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, yet they remain poorly studied in India’s sacred forests. This study quantified litterfall production, standing litter biomass, decomposition, and nutrient return in four tropical dry deciduous sacred forests of Western Odisha, India, over one year (January-December 2023). The study sites comprised Shorea robusta -dominated forests at Andhari, Dedungri, and Medha, and a Cleistanthus collinus -dominated forest at Papanga. Litterfall was collected using 1 m² litter traps, and decomposition was assessed using 20 g litterbags with 1 mm mesh. Litter fractions were analyzed for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Annual litterfall ranged from 8.59 ± 0.79 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ at Andhari to 11.32 ± 1.12 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ at Medha, with leaves contributing 80.65–83.35% of total litterfall. Standing litter biomass ranged from 2.39 ± 1.27 Mg ha⁻¹ at Andhari to 2.68 ± 1.42 Mg ha⁻¹ at Medha. Litter turnover rates (Kₗ) ranged from 3.59 to 4.22 yr⁻¹, corresponding to residence times of 87–102 days. Decomposition was rapid, with approximately 95% mass loss within six months; decay rate constants (k) ranged from 5.75 to 6.65 yr⁻¹, with half-lives (t₅₀) of 38–44 days and 99% decomposition (t₉₉) occurring within 274–318 days. Nutrient release followed the order K > N > P, with Papanga exhibiting the highest nutrient loss (96.57%) after six months. Initial litter N and P concentrations were significantly correlated with decomposition rates, while K declined rapidly due to leaching. These findings highlight the critical role of sacred forests in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning and provide valuable insights for their conservation under increasing anthropogenic pressures.
Source: Discover Plants.
Institution: Sambalpur University
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213754725