PATTERNS OF WEIGHT-LOSS AND NUTRIENT RELEASE FROM DECOMPOSING LEAF-LITTER IN AN AGE SERIES OF EUCALYPT PLANTATIONS

Decomposition of leaf litter in an age series (1-8 yr) of eucalypt plantations, raised after the clear-felling of natural mixed broad leaf forest, was studied using litter bags exposed in each plantation to examine the weight loss pattern and nutrient dynamics. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences in weight loss between age and time. The most rapid weight loss occurred in the 1 yr old plantation and decreased with plantation age. The decomposition rate was lower than in the surrounding natural mixed broad leaf forest and adjacent natural sal (Shorea robusta) forest. The rates of decomposition were significantly correlated with initial nutrient concentrations. Of the nutrients studied potassium was released most rapidly.