Abstract

In natural and plantation forests, biogeochemical nutrient cycling is dominated by litter production and decomposition. In this chapter focus on litter accumulation and decomposition and compare and contrast the nutrient cycling processes occurring in plantations with those of the natural forests. We review the current status of knowledge on the impact of plantations on soil nutrient status, suggest management options to ameliorate fertility decline in intensively-managed plantations and identfy areas where further research is necessary. Species of Eucalyptus and Pinus, which make up about one quarter of the total area of tropical plantations, generally have higher nutrient-use efficiencies (carbon gain per unit of nutrient taken up), and produce litter that is poorer in nutrients than most native tropical trees and other common plantation species. Litter in plantations of Eucalyptus and Pinus, and other genera such as Casuarina, usually decays more slowly and accumulates on