Decomposition and seasonal changes in nutrient constituents in mangrove litter of Sundarbans mangrove, Bangladesh

Abstract

Decomposition of Heritiera fames, Xylocarpus mekungensis, Bruguiera gymnorhiza and Avicennia officinalis leaf and non-leaf litter was studied using litter bag in Sundarbans reserve forest. During 45 days decomposition experiment both in field and lab, 43-78% weight loss of fresh mass was recorded. Proximate and micro-nutrient concentrations were similar among different classes of leaf and non-leaf litter. Concentrations of nutrient constituents were higher during the monsoon, and winter showed the highest level of heavy metal concentrations in mangrove litter of Sundarbans. Decomposition of mangrove litter resulted in a decrease in lipid content, and increased the metal concentrations, than fresh one.