ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to quantify the deposition and nutrients input by litter in the fragment of Seasonal Deciduous Forest, in Itaara, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Thirty circular metal collectors were allocated in six plots. The deposited material in this structure was separated in leaves, identified by species, fine branches (diameter < 0.5 cm) and miscellany (flowers, fruits, seeds and plants residues). After the fractionation and separation procedures, the determination of nutrients was realized. The total amount of litter biomass input in the period of study was 39.8 Mg ha-1, composed 68.4% of leaves, 16.3% of branches e 15.3% of miscellany. The species with higher litter deposition was Parapiptadenia rigida with 16.1%, following of 9.0% of Ocotea pulchella and 5.9% of Matayba elaeagnoides. Litter deposition follows the order: spring>autumn>winter>summer. The nutrients input follow the order: N>Ca>K>Mg>S>P (macronutrients) and Fe>Mn>B>Zn>Cu (micronutrients). The higher nutrient depositions by litter was Parapiptadenia rigida, following of Ocotea pulchella and Matayba elaeagnoides.
Keywords:
nutrients cycling; native species; seasonality; Atlantic Forest
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