DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.3.4924
Original scientific paper
The decomposition of maple (Acer sp.), poplar (Populus sp.), and plane (Platanus sp.) leaf litter as affected in different cropping systems — A preliminary study
2026, 27 (3) p. 778-784
Brigitta SIMON, Ariel TÓTH, Emese HAJNAL BODNÁR, Anita LEPOSSA
Abstract
To understand the nutrient cycle in natural systems, it is essential to study the decomposition of terrestrial leaf litter, a key element in these processes. Studies on litter decomposition can also provide fundamental information for forestry and agricultural management. The decomposition rates of three leaf litter types (maple, poplar, and plane) were evaluated under three different field treatments: a Hügelkultur plot, a plot with soil amended with compost, and a conventional field plot. The decomposition rates were assessed using the litter bag method based on the weight of the litter bags collected every three weeks. At the end of the 107-day study, treatment had a significant effect on litter decomposition, whereas no significant differences were observed among litter types. This pattern was also reflected in the analysis of the decomposition rate coefficient.
Keywords
leaf litter decomposition, exponential decay coefficient, field experiment, maple, poplar, plane
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