Quantification and Dynamics of Mesua Ferrea Leaf Litter in Avenue Plantation for a Sustainable Management Strategy

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Nirigi Linggi, Ajay Bharti, Sorokhaibam Sureshkumar Singh

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I3P120

How to Cite?

Nirigi Linggi, Ajay Bharti, Sorokhaibam Sureshkumar Singh, "Quantification and Dynamics of Mesua Ferrea Leaf Litter in Avenue Plantation for a Sustainable Management Strategy," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 3, pp. 207-212, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I3P120

Abstract:

Mesua Ferrea (MF) is a widely planted avenue tree because of its evergreen canopy, vibrant spring leaves, and beautiful flowers. However, unlike other leaf litter, MF leaf litter is resistant to decomposition under natural conditions, accumulating on the ground surface for a longer time and posing a significant management challenge for both government and private organizations. Most conventional disposal methods, such as burning and landfill dumping, cause environmental pollution and result in the loss of essential nutrients and biomass. Therefore, in this study, an attempt has been made to quantify the MF leaf litter produced in the avenue plantation of the NERIST campus. The leaf litter collection was conducted over two years with the help of a well-designed leaf litter collection trap at the three selected experimental avenue plots. Results indicated that leaf litter production peaked in March in both years. Additionally, there was an annual increase in litter production, rising from 9.923 kg to 11.834 kg per tree in the later year, and the estimates suggest that the campus, with its 171 trees, produces approximately 1.86 tons of MF leaf litter annually. Therefore, the institute can develop an efficient and sustainable management strategy based on the leaf litter production capacity of the MF avenue trees. Further study could be carried out on converting MF leaf litter into compost or vermicompost, providing a viable solution for leaf litter management while addressing the increasing demand for biofertilizers.

Keywords:

Avenue plantation, Leaf litter management, Mesua ferrea, Sustainable development.

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