Litter fall and accumulation in restinga vegetation were evaluated monthly in 0.25 m² quadrats from July 1996 to June 1997 at Ilha do Mel, Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil. Monthly and annual decomposition were also estimated indirectly by the ratio produced:accumulated litter. Annual litter fall (5.1 t.ha-1) was low when compared to results found in other tropical forests, probably due to the sandy, nutrient-poor soils. Production and decomposition were seasonal, that is, more intense during the warm, rainy months, and are mainly related to temperature. Monthly changes in litter accumulation were small, as was overall litter accumulation (5.5 t.ha-1.year-1). The synchronism among these processes and the relatively low annual decomposition rate (k = 0.92) represent adaptations for the ecosystem since they minimize loss from leaching, and allow better use of both nutrients and water at short intervals. Such mechanisms, coupled with the non-deciduous nature of the species, sclerosis, and a network of superficial roots, facilitate plant community development in oligotrophic conditions. These conditions, as well as climate, appear to exercise strong influence in determining patterns of litter production and decomposition.
litterfall; litter standing crop; decomposition; restinga; seasonality
