HENRIQUES, I. G. N.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/2300139718369817; HENRIQUES, Íkallo George Nunes.
Resumo:
Nutrient cycling is essential for maintaining the productivity of forest ecosystems,
especially on soils of low fertility and strongly weathered. Despite the studies of
accumulation and deposition of litter in the Caatinga vegetation, there is still much to our
understanding of the dynamics of this biome. This study aimed to evaluate the
accumulation, deposition and decomposition of litter in order to obtain information about
the dynamics of plant species in a Private Reserve of Natural Heritage in Caatinga biome
(Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural) in the state of Paraíba, to provide future
studies regarding nutrient cycling, to facilitate future studies regarding nutrient cycling,
and evaluate the role of rainfall seasonality in these events. To obtain the litterfall
production, we used 20 collectors of 1.0m x 1.0 m, with nylon fabric background. The
collection was done monthly, the litter was separated into leaves, twigs, reproductive
material and miscellaneous and were dried in an oven and then weighed. To evaluate the
quantification of the stock of accumulated litter, we used a metal frame with dimensions
of 0.5m x 0.5m, thrown randomly being and being collected monthly, then taken to the
laboratory oven to dry and to be weighed. The deposition fraction of leaf litter in the year
2011 was estimated at 2079.61 kg ha-1, representing 77.23% of the total estimate for the
experimental period. We conclude that the litterfall followed the order: leaves > bark +
branches > reproductive material > miscellany. The litter accumulated on the forest floor
in the study area can be decomposed almost completely in about two years.