Biomass and carbon stocks in Eucalyptus spp. litterfall in an integrated production system

Abstract

Litter has fundamental carbon values accumulated in its biomass, with an essential participation in the whole forest system for both carbon sequestration and for the benefits to the biogeochemical cycle in supplying the soil’s nutritional demand. This study aimed to evaluate the litter characteristics of eucalyptus clones regarding the contribution of biomass, carbon, and nutrients in each of its forming fractions in an integrated production system at 10 years of age. The accumulated litterfall production of two hybrids, Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis (AAC 645) and E. urophylla x E. camaldulensis (AAC 33), was evaluated. The collection was carried out in 1 m2 plots for each clone, and the accumulated litter biomass, carbon content, nutrient content, and stock of each litter component were evaluated. Clone AAC 645 had the highest litter biomass and carbon stock. The branch fraction in both clones showed higher biomass accumulated carbon averages, and nutritional support. Clone AAC 645 had higher total nutrient content, except for Ca, Mg, and S.