Leaf litter decomposition and mulch performance from mixed and monospecific plantations of native tree species in Costa Rica

Comparison of growth, nutrition and soil properties of pure stands of Quercus castaneifolia and mixed with Zelkova carpinifolia in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran

“…The mixed designs provided intermediate to fast decomposition rates, releasing nutrients to the soil and allowing a litter layer to protect the soil (Byard et al, 1996). Nutrient cycling characteristics must also be taken into account when assessing the potential impacts of plantation species on-site nutrients.…”

Lignin and enhanced litter turnover in tree plantations of lowland Costa Rica

“…1), although litterfall was low at the end of the year in 2004. Temporal variability in litter mass apparently is typical among plantations at La Selva (e.g., Byard et al, 1996;Kershnar and Montagnini, 1998;Horn and Montagnini, 1999). Among all plots and dates, total fine surface litter accumulations averaged 5.8 Mg ha À1 , which is similar to litter accumulations in adjacent, undisturbed forest (5.9 AE 0.4 Mg ha À1 , based on two sampling dates).…”

Floristic regeneration in five types of teak plantations in Thailand

“…Much research has shown that environmental conditions (e.g. soil fertility, canopy shading, litter depth and litter accumulation) in the understorey of mixed-species plantations are suitable for plant regeneration (Saeheang, 1994;Byard et al, 1996;Horn and Montagnini, 1999;Carnevale and Montagnini, 2002).…”