The influence of traditional agriculture on soil organic matter in tropical ecosystems of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The research concerns the influence of traditional agriculture on soil organic matter (SOM) balance in lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea. The plots in the vicinity of Wanang represent a suitable location.

The plots were formerly deforested, burned off and cultivated under traditional agriculture. Some of these plots were abandoned and the rest of plots is still cultivated.

The succession was initiated in different time period. Within the previous research the vegetation development was described on these plots, particularly the change in attributes of leaves of dominant tree species.

The plots represent unique chronosequence allowing real-time observation of tropical ecosystem development. In our study we are focused on SOM and related soil properties, litter properties and its decomposition and condition of microbial communities.

By this approach we describe dynamic of SOM and we determine main influencing factors. We hypothesize there applies the effect of soil degradation typical for tropical agriculture.

It is usually connected with the decrease of SOM and its ecosystem services. Considering the small scale of disturbances, the effects will be of lesser importance compared to modern agriculture.