Nutrient cycling in eucalypt stands allows the evaluation of changes due to management and to make inferences about plantation sustainability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient cycling in eucalypt (Eucalyptus grandis) in Northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The evaluation was carried out from January to December 2001, in 8-year-old stands and 1,5 and 5 year old coppicing (second rotation). The biomass and nutrient contents of the aerial part (leaf, branch, bark and bolewood), the litterfall and litter were determined. The nutrient balance in the soil-litter-aboveground system was measured. The 8-year-old stand presented the highest DHB (diameter at breast height), section area and tree trunk volume. Consequently the biomass and the nutrient content in this component were higher than in the other stands. Litterfall production was larger in the 8-year-old stand. The nutrient annual flow in the plant-soil system was larger in the 8-year-old stand. Leaf litterfall was the component that contributed the most to nutrient deposition on the soil. Nutrient balance was positive in all stands evaluated. Despite the fact that the soil nutrient resources allows for larger productivity, a low biomass production was found, particularly in the 8-year-old stand.
Biomass; coppicing; rotation
