Water Absorption and Leaching Loss of Leaf Litters Used as Manure in Central Himalaya, India.

Abstract

To explore the influence of substrate type on water absorption and leaching loss, leaf litter of a deciduous broad-leaf species frequenting agricultural terraces – Bhimal (Grewia optiva Dumm. Ex Burret.), evergreen broad-leaf – Oak (Quercus incana L.), conifers – Deodar (Cedrus deodara Roxb.) and Pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) were compared in a laboratory study. Fresh leaf litter of these species was immersed for 16 days in deionized water at room temperature (-230C). Samples were taken at 2, 5, 18, 24, 48, 72, 96, 192 and 384 hours. Depending on the species the litter lost between 10.9 to 39% of initial dry mass, while water absorption values were between 157 to 307% of dry mass. Water soluble substances including minerals (ash) contributed maximum to the mass losses. Bhimal litter was distinguished by its high water absorption and high mass losses during leaching. In general, the conifers (Pine and Deodar) and broad leaved (Oak) trees from natural vegetation had low water soluble substances and exhibited mass losses in comparison to the Bhimal that grows only on agricultural fields.