Abstract

The rate of decomposition of teak litter was studied for a period of 18 months using the litter-bag method. The dry weight loss of the litter was 95. 7 per cent at the end of the study period. The decomposition rate was higher during the south-west monsoon than in the north-east monsoon. Loss in litter weight was positively correlated with moisture content of litter and rainfall. The helf-life and the time required for 95 per cent weight loss of teak litter were estimated to be 4. 2 months and 18 months, respectively. A comparison of the decay rate of teak litter with that of leaf littres of Eucalyptus tereticornis and Paraserianthes falcataria showed that the teak litter decomposes faster than the other two. It is concluded that 1) the decay rate of teak leaf litter is faster than that of eucalypt and Paraserianthes, ii) litter moisture content is crucial for the decomposition under tropical warm-humid climate, and iii) the south-west monsoon provides congenial conditions