Leaf Litter Decomposition Rate in the Karst Ecosystem of the Community Forest in Wonodadi Village, Pracimantoro, Wonogiri, Indonesia

Introduction The availability of mineral nutrients in the karst ecosystem is specifically influenced by vegetation, which depends on how much nutrition is contributed by the litter of the stand through the decomposition process. The litter decomposition rate can be observed through physical changes and a decrease in litter weight. The community in Pracimantoro utilizes and maintains land by building community forests to optimize land in the karst area. This study aims to determine the litter decomposition rate in several community forest planting patterns in Pracimantoro. Methods Data were collected using the litter bag method by making sample plots measuring 0.04 ha and selected by purposive sampling, and placed diagonally. The rate of decomposition is described by the constant value (k). Results The karst community forest in Pracimantoro was dominated by Mahogany (Swietenia sp.), Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), and Teak (Tectona grandis) stands. The rate of decomposition in the Pracimantoro karst community forest was 0.0268. Discussion Leaf litter decomposition over two months resulted in a decrease in litter weight of 33.05%. The duration of nutrient return in karst community forests can be estimated using the half-life approach. Conclusion The rate of litter decomposition is influenced by environmental conditions and litter quality. Environmental conditions that are suitable over a long period have a significant impact on the rate of litter decomposition.