Species diversity and litter dynamics in secondary mixed deciduous forest, Thung Salaeng Lung National Park, Northern, Thailand

This study present species composition and potential of litter on carbon and nitrogen return in secondary mixed deciduous forest after shifting cultivation. The dominant species of trees were Haldina cordifolia, Albizia odoratissima and Lagerstroemia duperreana. The Important Value Index (IVI) values of trees were 132.91, 17.78 and 14.22, respectively. The pattern for the decomposition coefficients (k) was highest in the wet period (May–September) and lowest in the dry period (October–April). The carbon and nitrogen return patterns increased in the dry period (October– April) and decreased in the wet period (May–September). Carbon and nitrogen loss in the decomposing litter continually decreased during the decomposition process from the initial levels, with a final relatively rapid release in the wet period. Results from this study was understanding of community composition, litterfall production and litter decomposition for understanding potential of secondary mixed deciduous forest for balancing carbon for mitigating greenhouse gas effect in the local area.