Title:
FALL AND DECOMPOSITION OF LITTER IN FOREST AND PLANTING: CASE OF THE CLASSED FOREST OF PAHOU IN BENIN

Authors:
KOLIMEDJE Norberte Emilie. ASSONGBA Yédjanlognon Faustin, DJEGO-DJOSSOU Sylvie YOROU Nourou Soulemane & DJEGO Gaudence M. Julien, Benin

Abstract:

Description of the subject. The fall and decomposition of litter are two major phenomena on which the functioning of forest ecosystems depends.
Purpose of the research. The quantity. the fall dynamics and the decomposition of the litter are studied within the semi-deciduous dense forest (FDSD) of Pahou in southern Benin.
The methodology used is litter production is measured through traps of 1 m2 disposed in the forest while the decomposition rate is evaluated by the litterbag technique. By way of comparison. these measures were taken both in the natural forest and in a plantation of Acacia auriculiformis.
The results showed that the natural forest litter contains more leaves (70 to 97%) and that of the plantation. leaves (phyllodes) and reproductive organs respectively 50% and 46%. The maximum falls are recorded in December for natural forest (1.375 t / ha) and in January in the plantation (3.150 t / ha) and minimal falls in the months of April to October. The total annual fall is 16.16 t / ha in the plantation but 11.67 t / ha in the natural forest. In general. litter decomposition is faster in the wet season than in the dry season in both forests. However. the rate of decomposition within the natural forest (k = 0.72) is higher than that of the plantation (k = 0.63). Deposits of abundant biomass on the ground and their moderate rate of decomposition. litters studied have shown promise for a good restoration of degraded ecosystems and the maintenance of soil fertility.
Conclusion. In short. the rapid decomposition of the litter in the vegetative formations is at the origin of the dynamics of the flora in general and particularly of the fungi which appear more abundant in the natural forest. Weaknesses have been identified and research and development axes have been suggested for further studies.