Abstract
Decomposition of two species of Salvina, S. molesta Mitchell and S. cucullata Roxb. was studied for 220 days by the litter bag method. Salvinia molesta decomposes faster in the initial stages and S. cucullata in the later stages of decomposition. The release of nutrients is rapid during the first seven days and is ascribed to leaching. The rate of release of nutrients differs in the two species, with higher rates for P, Ca and Mg in S. molesta and for N in S. cucullata.
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