Abstract
Abstract This study analyzed the role of Caatinga vegetation structure in the accumulation, composition and distribution of litter along an elevation gradient in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Fifty sampling units were established for shrub-tree vegetation analysis, and 50 1-m2 plots for sampling litter. Sampled litter was screened in fractions of leaves, stems, reproductive structures, miscellaneous and animal remains and then weighed. Total accumulated litter weighed 72.3 kg and was composed mainly of stems (45.2%). A positive correlation was found between total litter and elevation, as well as between leaf fraction and richness and basal area, while the stem fraction was negatively associated with richness, abundance and basal area. The results reflect a joint effect of abiotic factors and community structure, which produces heterogeneous environments that favor variation in litter production and quality along the elevation gradient.
Highlights
AND OBJECTIVESLitter represents one of the main components of forest ecosystems, being formed by a set of vegetal materials and animal residues that accumulate on the soil (Salgado et al, 2015)
A positive correlation was found between total litter and elevation, as well as between leaf fraction and richness and basal area, while the stem fraction was negatively associated with richness, abundance and basal area
These processes are mainly controlled by climate and necromass quality but are influenced by edaphic factors and the decomposer biota (García-Palacios et al, 2015)
Summary
Litter represents one of the main components of forest ecosystems, being formed by a set of vegetal materials (leaves, branches, fruits, flowers and roots) and animal residues that accumulate on the soil (Salgado et al, 2015). This material decomposition is crucial to the continuity of biogeochemical cycles, the maintenance of soil fertility (Alonso et al, 2015; Ndagurwa et al, 2015; Vital et al, 2004) and, the absorption of nutrients by plants with a direct influence on the plant community (Butenschoen et al, 2014; Fisher et al, 2013). Litter quality is essential for decomposition (Uselman et al, 2011; Veen et al, 2015), because the composition of different plant organs, whether from the same or different species, is a preponderant factor for the speed by which litter is decomposed (Lorenzo et al, 2013), and nutrients returned to the soil (Li et al, 2011)
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