Seasonal changes of bioelements in litter and their potential return to green leaves in five species of tropical dry deciduous forest, western India

Abstract

The Litter nutrient concentrations of N, P, Ca, Mg, K and Na in mature leaves, twigs and reproductive parts and their relationship between senescent and young leaves were investigated in five forest species: Acacia nilotica, Acacia leucophloea. Tectona grandis, Miliusa tomentosa and Butea monosperma in Indian tropical dry deciduous forest in Western India.. Total dry matter of plant species was recorded and analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K and Na. A. nilotica had the highest concentrations of N in leaf, while A. leucophloea had the highest concentrations of Ca and Mg in leaf. The highest concentrations of P in leaf were found in A. nilotica, A. leucophloea and B. monosperma where as lowest in T. grandis and M. tomentosa. No significant differences in K and Na were registered among the species. A marked seasonal variability was observed in the concentrations of N, P and K, except for Ca and Mg. Potassium is the single element that undergoes leaching and mobilization in all species. Resorped N and P can be used for the production of fresh leaf in the following annual cycle. Nutrient resorption and retranslocation from senescent leaves and litter supports the production of new foliage and increase the fertility of soil.

Keywords

Tropical dry deciduous forest / nutrient concentration / senescent and fresh leaves / nutrient return / nutrient resorption efficiency

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