Litter deposition and decomposition in Deciduous Forest in the Upper Uruguay region, RS

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze and describe the seasonal dynamics of deposition and decomposition of litter in the Deciduous Forest in the Middle Upper Uruguay region, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. To determine the deposition of litter, 20 collectors of 1 m² were installed in an area of one hectare, with evaluations conducted monthly. For litter accumulated in seasonal stations, 20 random samples were collect in frames of 25 cm x 25 cm. The collected material was identified and separated into fractions of leaves, small twigs and miscellaneous. After stratification, the samples were dried at 70 °C and weighted. The estimated annual litter production was 7.14 t ha^-1, consisting of 58.54% of leaves, 28.69% of small twigs and 12.77% for miscellaneous. The deposition of litter was continuous throughout the studying period, showing a seasonal pattern, with higher values in late winter and early spring. The estimated average stock of litter was 6.50 t ha^-1. The decomposition rate was 1.097, showing a fast litter mineralization.