Impact of Microbial Inoculation on Rate of Decomposition and Nutrient Release from Leaf Litter of Salix fragilis (Crack willow) under Temperate Conditions of Kashmir

Litterbag experiment was carried out at the forest nursery of Department of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture and Regional Research Station SKUAST Wadura, Sopore, Kashmir during 2006-2007 to study the role of micro-organisms in litter decomposition and nutrient release in Salix fragilis under natural Salix stands. The experiment was laid in completely randomised design with three replications which comprised five treatment combinations of 5 inoculants (no-inoculant; Azotobacter, Chroococcum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, effective microorganisms and combinations of Azotobacter chroococcum + Pseudomonas fluorescens + effective microorganisms). Higher rate of decomposition of Salix fragilis litter was recorded in June (89.29%). Lower rate of decomposition of the species was recorded in January (39.07%). Plant N, P, K, Ca, and Mg release showed an increasing trend from July onwards up to November and immobilization of above nutrients was observed in December and January. However, in the succeeding months an increasing trend in the nutrient release was observed. Highest nutrient release was recorded under combined inoculation of Azotobacter chrococcum + Psedomonas fluorescens + effective microorganisms followed by effective microorganism as compared to other treatments and control. Combined inoculation resulted in a significant increase in total viable bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes followed by effective microorganisms, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chroococcum and control respectively. Thus the treatment combination of Azotobacter choococcum + Pseudomonas fluerescens + effective microorganisms proved to be the best for decomposition of Salix fragilis litter and nutrient release.