Deposition and nutritional quality of the litter of pure stands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of pure stands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia mangium for litter deposition and nutrient return in a pit of clay extraction in northern Rio de Janeiro (RJ). We conducted a randomized block design experiment with two treatments and three replications. For the evaluation of the annual deposition of litter and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), we used circular collectors during a year (from July 2006 to June 2007). The planting of Acacia mangium in clay extraction pits contributed with the largest annual deposition of litter and with a litter of better quality compared to Eucalyptus camaldulensis, with higher levels of P and N and lower C:N and polyphenol:N ratios. This fact possibly allows higher rates of decomposition by edaphic microorganisms and, hence, a faster release of these nutrients to the soil. In addition, the planting of legumes showed higher annual deposition of P and N.