LITTER FALL OF THE PAPERBARK TREE (MELALEUCA-CUTICULARIS) IN THE MARSHES OF THE BLACKWOOD RIVER ESTUARY, WESTERN-AUSTRALIA

Paperbark low closed forest, dominated by Melaleuca cuticularis, produced 430 g (dry weight), m−2 of litter over a year, containing some 3.4 g.m−2 of nitrogen and 77 mg.m−2 of phosphorus. Twigs and bark made up more than 50% of the total annual litter fall. The twigs and bark contribute most of the nitrogen (54 %) and phosphorus (56%), compared with leaf fall (37% and 35%) and flower and fruit fall (8% and 9%). The fall of leaves, twigs and bark was primarily related to wind, and flower and fruit fall was greatest after flowering. The litter must make a significant contribution to the accretion of peat. Since the forest covers some 200 ha of the lower Blackwood River estuary, it may contribute some 8001 of litter to the ecosystem each year, containing some 6600 kg of nitrogen and 154 kg of phosphorus. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved