Major Nutrient Biogeochemical Dynamics of Two Plant Species at Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest of West Bengal, INDIA

Abstract

The study was carried out in a tropical dry deciduous forest known as Matha Protected Forest (MPF) of Purulia district, West Bengal, India which is fragmented into two parts namely Plot A and Plot B. The forest area is covered mainly with sal (Shorea robusta) as a dominant tree species along with the predominating tree species of piyal (Buchanania latifolia). From the analysis of major nutrients in the plots as well as the nutrient concentration in green leaves and leaf litter of both plant species, it is revealed that P use efficiency is enhanced than N and K for Shorea robusta while K use efficiency is higher followed by P and N for Buchanania latifolia. We found site-dependent and between-species differences in nutrient content and nutrient remobilization. P and K use efficiency is increased in the forest which in turn depicts nutrient limitation mainly at fragmented Plot B.