Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: August | Volume: 3 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 9-13
Carbon Nitrogen Dynamics during Decomposition of Pinus longifolia Leaf Litter in the Presence of Cow Dung
Asha Tiwari1, Smriti Rawat2
1Department of Botany, M.B.P.G. College, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India.
2L. S. M. Govt. P. G. College Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India.
Corresponding Author: Smriti Rawat
ABSTRACT
The present studies find out the effect of cow dung on litter decomposition rate in Pinus longifolia leaf litter in the Chandak forest of Pithoragarh. The aim of the present study is to determine the carbon nitrogen releasing pattern from decomposing Pine leaf litter treated with cow dung (1:1). Litter bags technique was used to determine the decomposition rate. Monthly litter decomposition rate was positively related (P < 0.05) with the climatic factors (rainfall, temperature and relative humidity). The Carbon and Nitrogen releasing rate (P < 0.05) was also positively related with decomposition rate. The decomposition rate decreased in the autumn and summer seasons as compared to rainy seasons because rainy season was more favorable for the decomposers.
Key words: Carbon, nitrogen, decomposition, Pinus longifolia, litter, cow dung.