In an incubation experiment, litter application enhanced nutrient availability. The decomposition rate and their nutrient release were determined by type of litter. The rate of decomposition of leaf litter was of the order: teak > acacia > eucalyptus > casuarina. The release of N from the litter followed the similar order. However, the release of P and K into the available pool was higher in casuarina than eucalyptus. The exchangeable Ca and Mg were highest in eucalyptus leaf litter treated soils followed by teak, acacia and casuarina.
Litter decomposition, nutrient release, tropical soils
