Litter Dynamics and Soil Nutrient Responses Across Six Bamboo Species in Humid Tropics of Central Kerala

Bamboos play an important role in soil fertility and nutrient cycling through litter production and decomposition; however, information on species-specific litter dynamics remains limited. This study quantified litter production, decomposition, and associated soil physicochemical properties under six bamboo species (Bambusa vulgaris, B. balcooa, B. tulda, Dendrocalamus brandisii, D. asper, and D. longispathus) in humid tropical region of central Kerala. Litter traps measured monthly litterfall, and field incubation of litter bags assessed decomposition and nutrient release. The results showed litterfall exhibiting a bimodal distribution, with leaves contributing over 70% followed by twigs and sheaths. Decomposition followed a negative exponential mass loss. B. tulda showed the highest decomposition rate (k = 0.292 month−1), while B. balcooa showed the lowest (k = 0.123 month−1), and a negative correlation (r = -0.56) was observed between the decomposition rate and the initial litter C:N ratio. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and microbial population were highest under D. longispathus. PCA highlighted strong correlations among litterfall, decomposition rate, and soil nutrient status, grouping species into distinct clusters. These findings will help to enumerate the ecological and environmental implications of bamboo cultivation and will serve as a basis for various managerial interventions in bamboo-based land use practices.