Analysis of Litter Decomposition Rate in Parak Ecosystem in Maninjau Village, Tanjung Raya District, West Sumatra

Abstract

Litter decomposition is the process of breaking down plant organic materials (leaves, twigs, fruits and seeds) into nutrients in the soil that are essential for plant growth. Agroforestry is an effort or system used in the management of a land plot where various types of tree plants are grown within it. Parak Maninjau is an example of an agroforestry system managed by the local community. The aim of this research is to analyze the rate of leaf litter decomposition in the parak ecosystem in Maninjau Village, Tanjung Raya District, West Sumatra. This is a quantitative descriptive research conducted using a survey method. Data were collected at a single location in Parak, specifically in Nagari Maninjau. There are three plots within it, each measuring 20x20 m. In the middle of each plot, a subplot measuring 1x1 m was created. The research results indicate that the average rate of leaf litter decomposition in Parak Maninjau is 0.5 g/day. It can also be concluded that there is a variation in the decomposition rate in each plot at the research location.