Influence of herbaceous species composition on fine root biomass production in disturbed and undisturbed deciduous forests of Western Ghats in India

The influence of species composition in the herbaceous community on fine root biomass and belowground net primary productivity (NPP) in forest canopy gaps and the adjoining closed canopies were studied in the disturbed (Savannah type) and undisturbed sites of deciduous forests at Kodayar in Western Chats of India. Fine root biomass in the surface soil layer up to 25 cm depth varied (115-588 g/m(2)) considerably among habitats. In the disturbed site, where the herbaceous community is mostly dominated by grasses (as a consequence of recurring wild fires), very fine root biomass and NPP were higher than in the undisturbed site. Similarly, herbaceous communities beneath open canopies had greater above - and below - ground standing crop biomass and production in the disturbed site, while belowground standing crop biomass and NPP showed reverse trend in the undisturbed site. Seasonal variations observed in above - and below - ground standing crop biomass and NPP were attributable to differences in the edaphic environment.