Soil carbon dynamics driven by bamboo litter decomposition in the Western Ghats: Implications for ecosystem carbon cycling

Bamboo ecosystems, known for their rapid biomass production and high carbon sequestration potential, are key contributors to ecological functioning. This study delves into the intricate carbon dynamics within five distinct bamboo species–Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus strictus, D. giganteus, D. brandisii and Guadua angustifolia. This research was conducted in the Kattippara village of the Thamarasseri block within the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats of Kozhikode district, Kerala and it investigates variations in three key ecological processes: soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, litterfall-driven organic matter flux and the decomposition and reintegration of litter into the soil. Our findings reveal significant interspecies differences in annual litterfall–a crucial pathway for carbon input into the soil–ranging from 45.75 to 68.28 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, with D. strictus demonstrating the highest litter productivity. Furthermore, the rate at which this organic matter is broken down and nutrients are released back into the ecosystem, as indicated by litter decomposition constants (k ranging from 0.2173 to 0.2858 month⁻¹), also varied significantly across the studied species. The organic carbon content of the upper soil layer (0-15 cm) exhibited variations, suggesting a strong link to both the quantity and quality of litter inputs and their decomposition dynamics. This comparative ecological assessment provides critical insights into the functional diversity of different bamboo species and their respective contributions to carbon cycling within the landscape. The study underscores the importance of informed species selection for afforestation projects and carbon sequestration strategies aimed at maximizing ecosystem benefits.