Leaf Decomposition Rate in the Pond of Purwodadi Botanic Garden–BRIN

Abstract

The Purwodadi Botanic Garden contain a diverse collection of plants and trees that continuously shed leaves and other plant parts. Trees produce large amounts of leaf litter, which plays a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility through microbial decomposition. On land, leaf litter decomposes into compost, while in aquatic environments, it contributes as a nutrient source for microbes and aquatic biota. No study on the rate of leaf decomposition has been conducted in the Purwodadi botani garden, highlighting the need to investigate the decomposition rate of specific plant species in the ponds. This study aims to observe the decomposition rate of Dillenia suffruticosa, Terminalia catappa, and Barringtonia asiatica in pond 10 of the Purwodadi Botanic Garden over a 28-day period by monitoring morphological changes and weight reduction. The results indicate that Barringtonia asiatica exhibited the highest decomposition rate, whereas Terminalia catappa had the lowest. The decomposition rate provides insight into the pond’s potential to support acclimatized plants and aquatic organisms such as fish. Additionally, these findings contribute to understanding the natural decomposition process of leaves in aquatic ecosystems