DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2016.v04i09.015

Pages: 778-781

Litter decomposition is a mechanism that provides organic matter and carbon cycles in ecosystems. As most of the litter layer consists of plant litter in terrestrial ecosystems, decomposition of plant material is important. This study focuses on effect of litter placement to decomposition rate. Juglans regia L. leaf litter were used as study materials. In order to examine, decomposition litter bag technique was used. Litter bags were fastened three different soil depths (0, 5 10 cm depths). The decomposed litter bags were collected in March (three months later), April, May and June. Remaining dry weights, mass loss (%), daily decomposition rate and k values were calculated. According to results, decomposition parameters generally varied with soil depth in all examined months. The decomposition rate also varied according to months. Considering all results completely, this study showed that except first three-month period the maximum decomposition occurred at 10 cm depth and it was followed by 5 and 0 cm depths. It was thought that variation in decomposition rate based on soil depth and months may be caused by differences in temperature, moisture, decomposers flora and fauna in soil depths and stages of decomposition. This study showed that decrease in decomposition rate based on soil depth may be valid for deeper soil profiles. In upper layers of soil, decomposition rate may increase in buried litter depending on land characteristics such as climate and soil texture.