LEAF RESIDUE DECOMPOSITION OF SELECTED ATLANTIC FOREST TREE SPECIES

Abstract

ABSTRACT Biogeochemical cycling is essential to establish and maintain plant and animal communities. Litter is one of main compartments of this cycle, and the kinetics of leaf decomposition in forest litter depend on the chemical composition and environmental conditions. This study evaluated the effect of leaf composition and environmental conditions on leaf decomposition of native Atlantic Forest trees. The following species were analyzed: Mabea fistulifera Mart., Bauhinia forficata Link., Aegiphila sellowiana Cham., Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell), Luehea grandiflora Mart. et. Zucc., Croton floribundus Spreng., Trema micrantha (L) Blume, Cassia ferruginea (Schrad) Schrad ex DC, Senna macranthera (DC ex Collad.) H. S. Irwin and Barney and Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae). For each species, litter bags were distributed on and fixed to the soil surface of soil-filled pots (in a greenhouse), or directly to the surface of the same soil type in a natural forest (field). Every 30 days, the dry weight and soil basal respiration in both environments were determined. The cumulative decomposition of leaves varied according to the species, leaf nutrient content and environment. In general, the decomposition rate was lowest for Aegiphila sellowiana and fastest for Bauhinia forficate and Schinus terebinthifolius. This trend was similar under the controlled conditions of a greenhouse and in the field. The selection of species with a differentiated decomposition pattern, suited for different stages of the recovery process, can help improve soil restoration.