Production and Decomposition of Litter in Oak Forests: Analysis of Environmental and Vegetation Drivers

Abstract

This article evaluated the relationship between litter production and decomposition in a High-Andean forest and several variables, including rainfall, soil, and structural and floristic characteristics. Litter traps, litter-bags, and rain gauges were installed, and various variables were recorded. The total fine litter production was 4780 kg.ha-1.year-1, with leaves as the most representative fraction (60.4%), while decomposition was between 25 and 30% for 195 days of measurement. Significant correlations were found between fine litter production and incident precipitation (0.60), between height (-0.98) and aboveground biomass (0.97), and between decomposition and moisture (0.75). The results suggest that changes in the forest structure or weather conditions could affect the regulation of ecosystem and biogeochemical functions, highlighting the importance of conserving High-Andean forests, which are threatened by deforestation and climate change.