Dry weight loss in leaves of dominant species in a successional sequence of the Mesopotamian Espinal (Argentina)

PANDO, VALENTÍN; MENDOZA, CARLOS A.; ACEÑOLAZA, PABLO G.; GALLARDO, JUAN F.; TURRIÓN, MARIA B.

Forest Systems

INIA

Año: 2017 vol. 26 p. 1 - 10

Aim of study: To compare litter decomposition dynamics among different species within a single forest type and also between a single species in different forest successional stages.Area of study: Different forests of a known successional sequence of the Mesopotamian Espinal, placed in Villaguay Department, Entre Ríos Province, Argentina.Material and methods: A standard ?litter bags? technique was employed. Chemical analyses of C and N were performed for leaves. A regression analysis was applied and data were fitted to a double exponential model. Means estimated among forests and species within each forest were compared using the Tukey-Kramer test.Main results: The model predicted that leaves would completely mineralize in the mid-term. Leaf decomposition rate in different species (both in the Secondary forest and Mature forest) had dry matter residues in the following decreasing order: Acacia caven > Prosopis nigra > Prosopis affinis > Celtis ehrenbergiana.Research highlights: Successional stage was not found to be a factor determining the decomposition rate among species. Different decomposition rates, observed among different species, would not be attributed to initial quality of residues in terms of C and N, but would be associated with a positive feedback process related to nutrient cycle; thus, a greater decomposition would increase nutrient availability and, consequently, litterfall input.