International Journal Of Forest, Animal And Fisheries Research(IJFAF)

Leaf litterfall and its subsequent decomposition constitute a fundamental ecological mechanism governing nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and soil fertility maintenance in tropical forest ecosystems. This study investigated the seasonal dynamics of leaf litter production, decay rates, and nutrient release patterns (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) across three prominent tropical tree species—Tectona grandis (Teak), Shorea robusta (Sal), and Terminalia tomentosa (Sain)—over a 24-month period in a tropical moist deciduous forest reserve in Central India. Total annual litterfall averaged 7.84±0.42〖" Mg ha" 〗^(-1) 〖" yr" 〗^(-1), exhibiting marked seasonality with peak litter deposition occurring during the dry winter and pre-monsoon months (January–April), accounting for 69.5% of total annual production. Litter decomposition rates evaluated using standard litterbag techniques revealed significant interspecific variations; decomposition rate constants (k) ranged from 1.12〖" yr" 〗^(-1) in Shorea robusta to 1.84〖" yr" 〗^(-1) in Tectona grandis. Mass loss kinetics followed an exponential decay model, driven strongly by seasonal precipitation and initial litter chemical composition (particularly lignin and C:N ratios). Nutrient release followed the sequence "K">"N">"P" , with rapid potassium leaching occurring during early wet season months. Total annual nutrient return to the forest floor was estimated at 88.4〖" kg N ha" 〗^(-1) 〖" yr" 〗^(-1), 6.2〖" kg P ha" 〗^(-1) 〖" yr" 〗^(-1), and 42.1〖" kg K ha" 〗^(-1) 〖" yr" 〗^(-1). These results highlight species-specific functional roles in maintaining biogeochemical fluxes and provide empirical data for forest management, carbon accounting, and ecological restoration planning under changing climate regimes.