Litter Fall Pattern and its Potential of Nutrient Return in Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Plantation in Semi Arid Region of India

Abstract

Pattern of litter fall and its nutrient element content were investigated in 4-and 8-years-old neem plantations over two years. The total mean annual litter fall was 2976 kg/ha and 6060kg/ha in 4-years-old and 8-years-old plantations, respectively. Of this litter fall, leaves constituted major portion of litter (>96%). Litter fall was higher in February and March. The nutrient content in the litter fluctuated seasonally. The highest amount of nitrogen in litter was recorded in the month of August and lowest in March. The values of phosphorus, potassium and calcium in the litter was generally higher in February and March. On the mean basis, the annual nutritional amount of litter was 50.05 kg/ha, 1.105 kg/ha, 13.8 kg/ha and 58.33kg/ha of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, respectively in 4-years-old neem plantation and 98.02 kg /ha, 2.245 kg/ha, 32.02 kg/ha and 131.30 kg/ha, respectively of N,P,K and Ca in 8-year-old neem plantation, respectively.