Ciclagem de nutrientes de um plantio de eucalipto em regeneração de espécies nativas no sub-bosque

Abstract

Nutrient cycling in the eucalyptus plantation with a regeneration of native species in understory. The nutrient cycling process is important for the sustainability of natural and planted forest formations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of Nutrient cycling in the eucalyptus plantation with a regeneration of native species in understory. For deposition and decomposition of litter were used conical collectors and litter bags respectively. Subsequently were separated the foliar fractions of eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora) (EUC), the native understory regeneration (REG) and a control with fraction of Semideciduous Forest species (FES). The sequence of the return of nutrients through the leaves followed the same order for all foliar fractions: N> K>P. The leaves of FES deposited more macronutrients on the ground, while EUC and REG contributed the same amount. The leaf degradation was higher for FES, then the REG and EUC. The rate of nutrients release from the EUC leaves followed the order K>P>N, while FES and REG this return following order N>K>P and K>P>N respectively. These results demonstrate the importance of litter conservation in the study site, especially in the protection and nutrient return of these soils.