Nutrient return through decomposing Coriaria nepalensis litter in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya, India

Coriaria nepalensis , a nitrogen-fixing actinorhizal shrub, is prominent and successful colonizer of bare rocks landslide affected degraded lands. Field experiments were conducted to determine the differences in biomass decomposition nutrient release pattern different plant parts C. using litter bag technique. Results showed that leaves decomposed completely within 6 months while only 46.55% lateral roots with slowest rate 0.14% day –1 . The was order: Leaves > Reproductive Twigs (< 5 mm) (> Bark Fine Lateral roots. decay coefficient highest (0.003–0.014) for lowest (0.001–0.002) During cycle (364 days), overall increase reported nitrogen phosphorus concentration, potassium concentration decreased continuously residual litters. mobility K P N. Climatic factors like temperature, relative humidity rainfall significantly process among these factors, emerged as most effective environmental driver. Thus, taking into account initial content, rates, reproductive proved be more important source than other components.