Litterfall production and associated carbon and nitrogen flux along exclosure chronosequence at Kewet district, central lowland of Ethiopia

Background Litterfall input and associated nutrient flux are critically important in the restoration of soil in degraded landscapes through exclosures. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exclosure on seasonal litterfall production and nutrient content, and estimate annual C and N inputs to the soil in an age sequence at Kewet district, central lowland of Ethiopia. Leaf litterfall production was recorded by a 0.25 m2 litter trap from a systematically laid line transects from 5, 15, and 20 years old exclosures and adjacent grazing land. Results Leaf litterfall input in the exclosures ranged from 37 g m−2 in January (at the old exclosure) to 7.33 g m−2 (at the young exclosure), and 3 g m−2 in March at the grazing land. Litterfall input showed seasonal variation and peaked in the dry months. Mean monthly leaf litterfall production was significantly (p −2) in the old exclosure than the adjacent grazing land (9 g m−2). Total annual leaf litterfall ranged from 1073 kg ha−1 (grazing land) to 2662 kg ha−1 (old exclosure). There were no significant differences in leaf litterfall nutrients i.e., N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations, except for C. The annual leaf litterfall associated C and N input ranged from 412 (grazing land) to 1025 (old exclosure) and 27 (middle age exclosure) to 68 kg ha−1 (old exclosure), respectively. The positive change recorded in leaf litterfall production and associated C and N return is associated with restoration of vegetation. Conclusions Through well-managed area exclosure, leaf litterfall production in the degraded landscapes can reach the level of tropical dry lowland forest in about a decade. Further research on the contribution of dominant tree species in litter production along the age of exclosure is recommended to improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation of degraded lands.