Seasonal Variation of Litter Production in Fraxinus excelsior Linn. and Ulmus villosa Brandis in Forests of Dachigam National Park (J&K)

The present study deals with quantification of litter production, monthly variation in Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus villosa forests of Dachigam National Park, Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude of 1,600-1,750 m above msl. A study plot of 50 x 50m was selected in the two communities and litter collection traps were constructed of wooden frames. 15 litter traps were placed randomly in each study plot of the selected species for collection of the litter. The contents of traps was collected every month. The litter was separated in to leaves, twigs and bark. In Fraxinus excelsior total litter production was maximum in October (1855.26kg/ha) followed by November (1720kg/ha) and September (723kg/ha) with no litter production during the month of April and May. In Ulmus villosa, total litter production varied from 2.3kg/ha (April) to 1747.10 kg/ha (October).