Litter fall and nutrient contribution in forest fragments on the Atlantic forest, RJ, Brazil

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of fragmentation on litter deposition and nutrients transfer, an experiment was carried out in four forest remnants of different sizes (3.2, 8, 23 and 62 ha) and degrees of disturbance in Teresópolis-RJ, Brazil. Litter contribution was evaluated by conical collectors, and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium contents were determined in the leaf fraction and in soils. Litter showed seasonal patterns, and the highest litter
production was observed in the transition from dry to wet season. The highest contribution was observed in the fragment of 8 ha in the beginning of the rainy season and, regardless of the fragment, leaves fraction contributed the most in the total contribution. There was no difference in the pattern of litter fall contribution between the edge and the interior of the fragments, and no correlation with the size of the assessed remaining. Nutrients contribution was correlated with the fragments size. K and Ca were the nutrients contributed in larger quantity, and their values vary considerably between months and areas.