LITTERFALL DEPOSITION IN A PINUS STAND

Abstract

Litterfall is the main responsible for maintaining forest stands yield in soils with low natural fertility. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal and monthly litterfall deposition in a Pinus taeda L. stand, in Quedas do Iguaçu, Paraná State, Brazil. Three plots with 21.0 m x 20.0 m were randomly allocated, where four collectors of 1.0 m² each were systematically distributed. The litterfall was monthly collected, between April 2007 and March 2009, respectively at eight and nine years after the stand plantation, and divided in needles, thin branches (diameter < 0.5 cm), and miscellaneous, being subsequently determined its dry mass. The litterfall annual deposition reached 7.1 Mg ha^-1, being higher in the autumn. The average maximum temperature and average air temperature had inverse and significant influence on needles deposition and total litterfall.