Fine roots biomass in fragments of Atlantic Forest from Rio de Janeiro’s State

Abstract

Despite the relative importance of roots, which may reach up to 55% of forests biomass, there is a lack of empirical data from tropical regions. Just fine roots biomass (FRB; < 2 mm) represent around one third of the net primary production of terrestrial ecosystems. The general acceptance that higher levels of water and nutrients decrease biomass allocation in roots has been contested in the literature. Six forest fragments along the Coastal Plains of Rio de Janeiro’ State were taken to assess correlations (Pearson’s) between FRB and soil variables within a depth of 10 cm. Soil and root samples were collected (N=48.fragment^-1.season^-1) in wet and dry seasons. Forest soils showed different fertility levels. Overall means of FRB was 641 g.m^-2 (other tropical forests = 140 - 1040 g.m^-2). Humid season presented the highest average of FRB and also the hydromorphic soil of the sample. Positive and significant correlationn between Ca + Mg, K, P, N with FRB were found. The hypothesis of FRB decrease in response to availability decrease of resources is not supported by obtained results.