Nisar Bhat , Zafar Reshi , Raj Kumar Verma , A. R. Malik

Abstract

The present study was to determine the decomposition pattern of litter of Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus villosa forests in different seasons in Dachigam National Park, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The pattern of litter decomposition seems to have been more by presence of micro organisms and favourable climatic conditions. There was about 22.7 gm weight loss in F. excelsior and 20.78gm in U. villosa with in 12 months of decomposition. 95% exponential rate of decomposition was 2.04 and 2.55 indicating faster decomposition in F. excelsior as compared to U. villosa.

Keywords

Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus villosa, Decomposition, Litter, Dachigam National Park,
J&K

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Nisar Bhat , Raj Kumar Verma , Zafar Reshi

Abstract

The present study deals with quantification of litter production, monthly variation in Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus villosa forests of Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 1,600-1,750 m above msl. A study plot of 50 x 50m was selected in the two communities and litter collection traps were constructed of wooden frames. 15 litter traps were placed randomly in each study plot of the selected species for collection of the litter. The contents of traps was collected every month. The litter was separated in to leaves, twigs and bark. In Fraxinus excelsior total litter production was maximum in October (1855.26kg/ha) followed by November (1720kg/ha) and September (723kg/ha) with no litter production during the month of April and May. In Ulmus villosa, total litter production varied from 2.3kg/ha (April) to 1747.10 kg/ha (October).

Keywords

Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus villosa, Litter Production, Seasonal Variation, Dachigam
National Park, J&K

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