Nutrients seasonal variation and redistribution of four tree species in three forest typologies of the Atlantic Forest in Paraná State, Brazil.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the seasonal variation and redistribution of nutrients in green leaves and litterfall of different tree species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. It was determined the elements concentration of Andira anthelminthica, Ocotea pulchella, Ilex theezans and Tapirira guianensis in three forest typologies (Initial, Intermediary and Advanced). The forest typologies are distinguished by age, flora diversity and stand structure. The concentration of N, P and K tended to increase with forest age in green leaves and the concentration of Ca, Mg and Na presented the highest values in the Initial typology. The highest average concentration of elements was: N and P in Andira; Ca in Tapirira and Na in Ilex. For litterfall the highest concentration of N was found in Andira and the lowest in Ilex, and a similar behavior was observed for P and K. The element Ca showed a contrary behavior from those observed for Ilex, Andira and Ocotea, with well next or superior concentration of that found in green leaves. It was observed an internal redistribution of N, P, K and Na before the leaves fall but no redistribution for Ca and Mg.