Litter layer removal and implications on decomposition in a Eucalyptus stand in the Cerrado

Abstract

Environmental impacts resulting from Eucalypts cultivation are widely debated and subordinated to justifications, often fallacious and without a scientific support. It is a fact that annual and perennial monocultures cause impacts. However, when talking about conservation and increase of organic matter in the soil, perennial crops such as Eucalypts cannot be discarded. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of the litter layer on leaf decomposition and physico-chemical properties in a Eucalyptus stand on Cerrado dystrophic soil. Removal of litter layer was done every two months. In forty plots; twenty non-removed and twenty of removed litter layer, data of litter fall, leaf decomposition and soil physical and chemical properties were obtained. Litter layer removal increased the leaf decomposition time of leaf decomposition and caused changes in potassium concentration and soil moisture. Through the results, it was possible to emphasize the environmental relevance of organic waste, even though coming from a perennial monoculture.