An understanding of humus status and forms in soil ecosystems is very important for us to understand the linkages of plant debris decomposition and soil process. However, how do we measure the processes of soil humus accumulation related with plant debris decomposition?
Litterfall, piant litter, leaf litter, tree litter, soil litter, dead plant material are the plant debris available in the soil. This detritus or dead organic material and its constituent nutrients are added to the top layer of soil,commonly known as litter layer or O horizon. In soil science, soil litter is classified in three layers, namely, L, F and H layers. L- organic horizon characterized by relatively undecomposed plant material. F- organic horizon beneath L classified by accumulation of partly decomposed organic material. H- organic horizon below F characterized by accumulation of fully decomposed organic matter mostly indiscernable. The litter layer is variable in composition, thickness, decomposition and nutrient content. Decomposition rate and nutrient content is affected in part by sesonality, plant species, climate, soil fertility, microbial population and type, elevation and latitude. Cellulose part of the litter decomposed very fast followed by hemicellulose and lignin. The enzyme activities are the indicator of the rate of decomposition. The accumulation of organic matter mainly a result of decomposition rate.
Surface detritus facilitates the capture and infiltration of rainwater into lower soil layers. Soil litter protects soil aggregates from rain drop impact, preventing the release of clay and silt particles from soil pores.
Prof Tarafdar, Many thanks to you for your kind explantations! In my lab, we have tried to measure the enzyme activities in decomposing leaf litter. However, we have not obtained efficient data. Can you give me some suggestions about the methods of enyzme activities in decomposing leaf litter? Thanks again.
You may go through Modern Methods of Plant Analysis vol. 20, Analysis of Plant Waste Material, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 1999. More particularly the paper on "Analysis of Tree Leaf Decomposition in Arid Soils" p.153-179. I hope, it will help you. Best of luck.
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