Leaching of nutrients in ecological succession in the Atlantic Florest in Parana state

Abstract

The present study was carried out in the Floresta Ombrófila Densa on the low lands, in the State of Paraná. The plots were installed in three successional stages: initial, intermediary and advanced. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immediate contribution of leaf litter of selected tree species and other litter fractions on nutrient release to soil, through leaching. For litterfall collection, 10 collectors were installed per successional stage. Litterfall collected during one year, was leached by pulverization of deionized water and the concentration of K, Ca, Mg and Na analyzed. The results showed differences for nutrient released from litterfall in the course of the seasons, suggesting that climatic conditions affected the quality of the litter leached. The behavior of the successional stages was distinct and the highest nutrient release from the leaves occurred in the advanced stage. The highest nutrient release, in total litterfall, occurred in the initial stage. The sequence of nutrient release was the follow: K > Mg > Na > Ca. Differences in the nutrient releasing from litter fractions were observed. The sequence was miscellaneous > twigs and fruits > leaves.