Litter stock and nutrients under different restoration methods in the eastern Amazon

Abstract

Litter production contributes to soil fertility through the decomposition process, especially in Amazonian soils, which have low fertility. Amazonian ecosystems are dependent on the forest to ensure their maintenance through nutrient cycling, via litter. The objective of this work was to evaluate litter stock and nutrient content under different restoration methods in abandoned pasture areas in the eastern Amazon. The macronutrient content via litter followed the order: Ca > N > P >Mg > K >Na. Calcium was the macronutrient that most returns to the soil via litter. The restoration method through silvipastoral system presented the highest values of nitrogen. The area under passive restoration proved to be the most efficient method to recover areas degraded by pasture in the eastern Amazon, due to the highest litter stock and nutrient content.