CARACTERÍSTICAS QUÍMICAS DA SERAPILHEIRA DEPOSITADA EM ÁREA DE CAATINGA

Abstract

The accumulated litter in the forest ecosystems is source of nutrients for the soil, contributing to the maintenance of the productivity and sustainability in these environments. This study evaluated the chemical characteristics and nutrient content of litter in a Caatinga forest site located in the Fazenda Tamanduá RPPN, in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. Litter production in collector boxes were monthly collected of the seven transects systematically located in the RPPN area, being that the each three months was litter retired an the organic material sample, by transect, to evaluated the chemical characteristics. It was also estimated the remaining nutrient content of litter in nylon bags after 12 and 24 months under field conditions. The order of the nutrient quantities present in litter was: N > Ca > S > K > Mg > P. Potassium, Ca, and Mg release was directly related to litter weight loss, and N, P and S concentrations in litter increased during the process of litter decomposition. The nitrogen in the litter was presented the highest concentration in the wet period and phosphorus as limiting factor in this environment.