Nutrients in precipitation components for pine and oak forests in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract

Concentrations and inputs of certain nutrients in precipitation of pine and oak forests in Kumaun Himalaya were quantified. The mean concentration of nutrients was higher in throughfall and stemflow than in rainfall in open gauges. Among the nutrients, the leachability of K from the canopy was greatest and that of N lowest. The net gain of nutrients (kg ha^-1 yr^-1) from the canopy was higher in oak forests, except for P and followed the order: K > Ca > Mg > N > P. Precipitation and throughfall inputs play a significant role in the nutrient cycling of these forests.