Litter Production in Western Washington Douglas-Fir Stands

Litter production by Douglas-fir stands ranging in age from22 years old to 160 years old, is discussed. Typical leaf litterproduction was 2100 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 while total litterwas 2500 kg ha^–1 yr^–1. Annual fall of leaf litterincreases up to about 40 years of age and then becomes fairlyconstant while total litter continues to increase because ofwood production, although this increase may be quite irregular.Average nutrient returns to the forest floor are 21, 3, 7, 32,4, and 7 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mnrespectively.     

Influence of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on amount and nutrient content of litterfall in a regrowth eucalypt forest

The effects of fertilizer treatment on nutrient transfers to the forest floor were examined in regrowth Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell. forest. Dry weight and nutrient content of leaf litterfall and total litterfall were measured for 3 years in a stand to which two levels of N (0, 200 kg ha^-1 year^-1) were applied each year at each of three levels of a single initial application of P (0, 30, 200 kg ha^-1). Annual accessions of litter to the forest floor were significantly increased by additions of both N (by 17%, 18% and 21% in the 3 years) and 200 kg P ha^-1 (by 8%, 8% and 4% in the 3 years) but there was no interaction between effects of N and P treatments. Fertilizer application also had a significant effect on the nutrient content of leaf litterfall and total litterfall. Concentration of N in leaf litterfall was 9% to 23% greater on plots treated with N fertilizer compared to untreated plots. The amounts of N in litterfall were about 30% greater on N-treated compared to untreated plots. On plots treated with 200 kg P ha^-1, P concentrations in leaf litter were 50% to 100% greater than in litter from plots receiving no P. Application of 200 kg P ha^-1 increased the amounts of P in annual litterfall by 32% to 87%. The greatest increase in P accessions occurred soon after fertilizer treatment. The amounts of Ca, K, and Na in litterfall were also significantly increased by fertilizer application. For Ca and K this was due partly to increases in element concentrations in litterfall following application of treatments. The effect of fertilizers on internal recycling of plant nutrients and on litter accumulation and nutrient dynamics in forest floor litter is discussed.     

Decomposition of chestnut litterfall and eight-year soil chemical changes under a no-tillage management system in Northern Portugal

? Chestnut stands (Castanea sativa Mill.) for fruit production, in Northern Portugal, are subjected to frequent soil tillage operations, which is considered a threat for the system sustainability.

? The effects of replacement of conventional tillage by the no-tillage system in chestnut stands on decomposition and nutrient dynamics of leaf litter and burs were evaluated, using the litterbag methodology. Amounts of mass and nutrients in the organic layers, and chemical characteristics of the 0–20 cm top soil layer were assessed after eight years.

? The mass loss and release of N, P, Ca and Mg from both leaves and burs buried in the soil were faster than from those placed on the soil surface. Burs decomposed and released nutrients more slowly than leaf litter. The no-tillage system led to the formation of organic layers, which retained great amounts of N (249.2 kg ha^?1) and Ca (215.5 kg ha^?1). Such a management system increased the concentration of organic C and nutrients in the 0–5 cm top soil layer, but significant differences were only observed for exchangeable Ca.

? The no-tillage system may enhance organic C accumulation regarding the conventional system, due to the increment in both organic and mineral soil layers.

     

Ecological studies on subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Okinawa, Japan: Litter production and nutrient input

Patterns of litterfall and nutrient input in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Okinawa, Japan, were studied during May, 1996–April, 1999. The mean annual rate of litterfall in the five sampling plots ranged from 6.84 to 8.93 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, of which 63.3–68.5% were leaves; 22.4–29.1% woody parts (including branches < 5.0 cm in diameter and bark); 2.8–5.0% sexual organs and 4.6–6.3% miscellaneous material. Significant differences were found among plots and among years. Significantly monthly differences pronounced seasonal patterns in litterfall were observed. Total litterfall and leaf litter showed negative correlations with relative basal area of the dominant species,Castanopsis sieboldii; and showed positive correlations with mean height of the stands. The dominant species,C. sieboldii produced an average of 2.36 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ of leaf litter, which covered 30.5% of the annual litter production, and the nutrient input from those litterfall contributed 32.3, 28.3, 30.2, 22.2, 32.5, and 30.5% of total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na, respectively. Nutrient use efficiency in litter production was high, especially for P and K compared with other broad-leaved forests in Japan indicating that P and K may be limiting in Okinawan evergreen broad-leaved forest.     

Litterfall,decomposition and nutrient release of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shorea robusta</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> in a sub-tropical forest of West Bengal,Eastern India

We studied leaf litter fall, decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis by using a litter bag technique to better understand the release pattern of nutrients to soil from leaf litter. Annual litterfall varied from 13.40 ± 2.56 t ha^?1 a^?1 for S. robusta to 11.03 ± 3.72 t ha^?1 a^?1 for T. grandis and the decay constant (k) of decomposed leaf litter was distinctly higher for T. grandis (2.70 ± 0.50 a^?1) compared to S. robusta (2.41 ± 0.30 a^?1). Biomass loss was positively correlated with the initial litter C, WSC, C/N and ash content in S. robusta and N, P and K concentration for T. grandis. Biomass was negatively correlated with lignin and L/N ratio for S. robusta and L, WSC, L/N and C/N ratio for T. grandis (P < 0.01). Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient accumulation index (NAI) of S. robusta was higher than for T. grandis. The retranslocation of bioelements from senescent leaves ranked as P > N > K. Annual N, P and K input to soil through litterfall differed significantly between the two species in the following order: N>K>P. S. robusta was superior in terms of K and P return and T. grandis was superior in terms of N return. The two tree species showed a similar patterns of nutrient release (K > P > N) during decomposition of their leaf litter. Nutrients of N, K and P were the primary limiting nutrients returned to soil through litterfall with important roles in soil fertility and forest productivity.     

Production and quality of senesced and green litterfall in a pine–oak forest in central-northwest Mexico

Litterfall is an important ecological process in forest ecosystems, influencing the transfer of organic matter, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and other nutrients from vegetation to the soil. We examined the production of different litterfall fractions as well as nutrient content and nutrient inputs by senesced and green leaf-litter in a semiarid forest from central Mexico. From September 2006 to August 2007, monthly litter sampling was carried out in monospecific and mixed stands of Quercus potosina and Pinus cembroides. Litterfall displayed a marked bimodal pattern with the largest annual amount (5993 ± 655 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) recorded in mixed stands, followed by Q. potosina (4869 ± 510 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), and P. cembroides (3023 ± 337 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Leaves constituted the largest fraction of total litterfall reaching almost 60%, while small branches contributed with 20–30%. Overall, N content in leaf-litter was higher while lignin content was significantly lower for Q. potosina than for P. cembroides. Thus, greater litter quality together with higher litter production caused the largest C, N and P inputs to forest soils to occur in monospecific Q. potosina stands. Green leaf fall displayed significantly lower lignin:N and C:N ratios in Q. potosina than P. cembroides suggesting faster decomposition and nutrient return rates by the former. Although we recorded only two green leaf fall events, they accounted for 18% and 11% of the total N and P input, respectively, from leaf-litter during the study period. Apart, from the large spatiotemporal heterogeneity introduced by differences in litter quantity and quality of evergreen, deciduous and mixed stands, green litterfall appears to represent a much more important mechanism of nutrient input to semiarid forest ecosystems than previously considered.     

Seasonal changes in litter fall and its quality from three sub-tropical fruit tree species at Nelspruit, South Africa

Litter fall from upper storey trees in agroforestry systems contributes to nutrient cycling for the benefit of all components of the system besides serving as mulch. This study examined the seasonal changes in the quantity and quality of leaf litter fall from three sub-tropical fruit trees viz: avocado (Persea americana L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.) and litchi (Litchi chinensis L.) which have potential for use in agroforestry. Leaf litter production was estimated using nylon mesh litter traps erected over five randomly selected trees of each species in a completely randomised design. Litter quality was determined by analysing ash content and polyphenol, carbon, cellulose, lignin and nutrient concentrations over a 2?year period (2007?C2008). Total annual leaf litter production during the study period (dry matter basis) was 8.3, 6.3 and 5.6?t?ha^?1?year^?1 for litchi, mango and avocado, respectively. In both years, leaf litter fall was greatest during autumn and lowest during winter in all species. There were no significant differences in S, Ca, Mg and Mn concentrations in the leaf litter, but polyphenol, N, P and K concentrations differed significantly (P?<?0.05) between species. It was concluded that litter quality from all three tree species was low and would require appropriate management to improve its quality.     

Changes in nutrient concentrations and nutrient release in decomposing needle litter in monocultural systems of Pinus contorta and Pinus sylvestris—a comparison and synthesis

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) needle litters were compared in terms of nutrient composition and its change during decomposition. Initial nutrient composition differed between the species, with lodgepole pine needle litter having significantly higher concentrations of P, Mg and Mn. However, no difference was found for concentrations of N, Ca or K. Increases in concentrations of N, P and K during decomposition were significant in both litter types. For Ca the pattern of concentration changes followed a quadratic function as decomposition proceeded. Concentrations of Mg and Mn decreased in lodgepole pine needle litter. In Scots pine litter there was also an initial decrease, but it was followed by an increase in most incubations. For both Mg and Mn, changes in concentrations during decomposition differed significantly between species. In the late decomposition stages, concentrations of Mg and Mn became similar in both litter types. Nutrient concentrations generated by the models were compared with those of the humus (F and H) layer in the stands. The model was quite accurate in predicting concentrations of N and P for both species and the concentration of Mg for lodgepole pine. By contrast, it was not accurate in predicting concentrations of Ca and Mn. Nutrient release was estimated for the two species using both measured litterfall data and long‐term estimates, and regression models were used to predict concentration changes. Rates of release of P, Mg and Mn in the lodgepole pine stands were found to be about twice as high compared with those in Scots pine. Calcium was also released to a greater extent although the difference was not significant.     

Responses of decomposition rate, nutrient return, and composition of leaf litter to thinning intensities in a Pinus tabulaeformis plantation

It is important to study the effect of tree density on the substrate quality and decomposition rate of leaf litter in plantations. In 2002, an experiment of the effects of thinning intensities at four different levels (i.e., 0 (I), 35.7% (II), 49.2% (III), and 64.2% (IV)) on undergrowth were carried out in an 18-year-old Pinus tabulaeformis plantation at an initial density of 3130 trees/hm² in the middle of the hills of Yingpan, Yanqing County, Beijing. Three years later, the rates of decomposition, the amount of nutrients returned, and the characteristics of leaf litter were compared by a litter bag method. The results show that the annual loss of dry matter of leaf litter in plots I, II, III, and IV was 25.81%, 26.25%, 27.68%, and 25.96%, respectively. The turnover of leaf litter was 10.04, 9.84, 9.24, and 9.97 years, respectively. Therefore, it is feasible and convenient to evaluate the effect of thinning on the rate of decomposition. In the first two months, the N, P, K, and Mg nutrients were released quickly. During the entire observation period of 14 months, the return of both N and Mg nutrients in the four plots exhibited a release-accumulation type of cycle. The return of P and K indicated a trend of release-accumulation and a relative balance. However, the return of Ca was far different from that of the other nutrients in the four plots. The total nutrient return of the four elements N, P, K, and Mg in the plots was 10.806, 31.016, 31.798, and 39.365 g/kg, respectively. Specifically, the quality of leaf litter in plot I was the worst in that N and Ca accumulated only 2.567 and 0.767 g/kg, respectively. Thinning did decrease the ratios of lignin to N and C to N and accelerated the rate of decomposition of leaf litter. The content of crude ash in leaf litter was enhanced by thinning, which prevented acid material, such as tannins and resins, from returning to the soil. The effect of thinning intensity was evaluated by the ratio of lignin to N, the ratio of C to N, and the ash content in leaf litter.     

西南桦和尾巨桉凋落叶分解及其与土壤性质的相关性

[目的]探讨南亚热带西南桦和尾巨桉人工纯林的凋落叶分解动态及其与土壤化学性质之间的相关关系.[方法]采用原位分解袋法研究凋落叶的分解过程.[结果]表明:西南桦、尾巨桉人工林凋落叶分解系数分别为0.96 a^-1和0.88 a^-1.在为期12个月的分解试验中,2种凋落叶有机C含量在整个分解过程中呈逐渐下降趋势;全K含量和C/N比在分解前期迅速下降,之后趋于平缓;全N含量和全P含量在整个分解过程中呈逐渐上升趋势;2种凋落叶N/P比则呈先升高后下降的趋势.无论是分解前期还是分解后期,凋落叶质量损失与N含量均呈显著正相关(前期R=0.877;后期R=0.855),与C/N均呈显著负相关(前期R=-0.735;后期R=-0.697).与尾巨桉林地土壤性质相比,西南桦凋落叶分解提高了林地0~10、10~20 cm土壤的有机C、全N、全P、全K、N/P,对2030 cm土壤有机C、全K、pH值、C/N、N/P则未产生显著影响.相关分析表明:凋落叶初始有机C含量与土壤有机C、全N、全P、全K、N/P显著相关;凋落叶初始全N含量与土壤全N、pH值、C/N显著相关.[结论]凋落叶的养分含量与土壤养分的关系紧密;与尾巨桉相比,西南桦凋落叶的养分含量明显较高,分解速率更快,释放到土壤中的养分也更多.     

Above- and belowground nutrients storage and biomass accumulation in marginal Nothofagus antarctica forests in Southern Patagonia

The above- and belowground biomass and nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, S and Mg) of pure deciduous Nothofagus antarctica (Forster f.) Oersted stands grown in a marginal site and aged from 8 to 180 years were measured in Southern Patagonia. The total biomass accumulated ranged from 60.8 to 70.8 Mg ha⁻¹ for regeneration and final growth stand, respectively. The proportions of belowground components were 51.6, 47.2, 43.9 and 46.7% for regeneration, initial growth, final growth and mature stand, respectively. Also, crown classes affected the biomass accumulation where dominant trees had 38.4 Mg ha⁻¹ and suppressed trees 2.6 Mg ha⁻¹ to the stand biomass in mature stand. Nutrient concentrations varied according to tree component, crown class and stand age. Total nutrient concentration graded in the fallowing order: leaves > bark > middle roots > small branches > fine roots > sapwood > coarse roots > heartwood. While N and K concentrations increased with age in leaves and fine roots, concentration of Ca increased with stand age in all components. Dominant trees had higher N, K and Ca concentrations in leaves, and higher P, K and S concentrations in roots, compared with suppressed trees. Although the stands had similar biomass at different ages, there were important differences in nutrient accumulation per hectare from 979.8 kg ha⁻¹ at the initial growth phase to 665.5 kg ha⁻¹ at mature stands. Nutrient storage for mature and final growth stands was in the order Ca > N > K > P > Mg > S, and for regeneration stand was Ca > N > K > Mg > P > S. Belowground biomass represented an important budget of all nutrients. At early ages, N, K, S, Ca and Mg were about 50% in the belowground components. However, P was 60% in belowground biomass and then increased to 70% in mature stands. These data can assist to quantify the impact of different silviculture practices which should aim to leave material (mainly leaves, small branches and bark) on the site to ameliorate nutrient removal and to avoid a decline of long-term yields.     

Nutrient dynamics associated with leaf litter decomposition of three agroforestry tree species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Azadirachta indica,Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis>) of Bangladesh

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabili- ties from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag tech- nique to assess the nutrient return efficiency of these species. The de- composition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a signifi- cant (p<0.05) positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposi- tion. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach (6.67). Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposi- tion. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release (K > N > P) during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.     

The Internal Transfer of Nutrients in a Scots Pine Stand 2. The Patterns of Transfer and the Effects of Nitrogen Availability

The fall of fine litter was 4.5 tonnes ha^–1 y^–1,(78% needles) returning to the ground 36.6 kg N, 2.2 kg P, 7.6kg K, 12.1 kg Ca and 2.0 kg Mg. Nutrient input in rainfall (880mm in 1978) was 2.6 kg N, 0.4 kg P, 4.3 kg K, 7.6 kg Ca and1.4 kg Mg. Throughfall was 534 mm. The method of Miller, Cooperand Miller (1976) was used to estimate aerosol contributions,leaching and absorption. Retranslocation estimates were 59.6kg N ha^–1 y^–1 (55% of Requirement), 8.5 kg P (64%R), 42.0 kg K (56% R) and 1.2 kg Mg (14% R). Retranslocationwas unchanged, but uptake increased with added N % P and decreasedwith added sawdust and glucose. Other typical effects of nutrientamendment were observed: with added N % P growth increased,current tissues had higher concentrations of N and P and litterfalldecreased in the first year but was heavier in the second year:with added sawdust and glucose, growth declined but concentrationsof N and P remained substantially the same.     

模拟外源性氮磷对马占相思凋落叶分解及土壤生化特性的影响

[目的]研究外源性氮和磷对马占相思凋落叶的分解速率、分解过程中N、P、K含量和土壤生化特性的影响,以便为森林土壤养分管理提供参考。[方法]以广东省云勇林场马占相思林下凋落叶为试验材料,采用尼龙网袋分解法,设置对照(CK)、施N(10 g·m~(-2))、施P(5 g·m~(-2))、施N+P(N 10 g·m~(-2)+P 5 g·m~(-2))4种处理,每隔3个月取样1次,并测定凋落叶残留量和N、P、K含量。[结果]表明:施N、P和N+P处理对马占相思凋落叶的分解均为促进作用。各处理马占相思凋落叶的N含量在分解过程中大致保持稳定,施P和N+P处理的凋落叶P含量在分解过程中总体呈波动性上升,而各处理的凋落叶K含量变化规律不明显。施N、P和N+P处理提高了马占相思林土壤的有机质和全N含量,促进脲酶、磷酸酶及过氧化氢酶的活性。[结论]施N、P和N+P处理促进了马占相思凋落叶的分解,有利于马占相思林的养分循环。     

Deposition of litter and nutrients in leaves and twigs in different plant communities of northeastern Mexico

Studies on litterfall and decomposition provide estimations of decomposition rates of different ecosystems.This is key information to understanding ecosystem dynamics and changes in a scenario of global warming.The objective of this research was to assess litterfall production,the potential deposition of macro and micronutrients through leaf and twig fall as well as macronutrient—use efficiency in three forest ecosystems at different altitudes: a pine forest mixed with deciduous species(S1); a Quercus spp.forest(S2); and,a Tamaulipan thornscrub forest(S3).Total annual litterfall deposition was 594,742 and 533 g m~(-2) for S1,S2 and S3.Leaf litter was higher (68%) than twigs(18%),reproductive structures(8%) or miscellaneous material(6%).Micronutrient leaf deposition was higher for Fe followed by Mn,Zn and Cu.Macronutrient leaf deposition was higher for Ca followed by K,Mg and P.Even though P deposition in leaves and twigs was lower than other macronutrients,its nutrient use efficiency was higher than Ca,Mg or K.Altitude and species composition determine litter and nutrient deposition,with higher values at mid-altitudes(550 m).Altitude is an important factor to consider when analyzing litter production as well as nutrient deposition as shown in this study.Litter production and nutrient deposition are expected to change in a scenario of global warming.     

Influences of stand composition and age on forest floor processes and chemistry in pure and mixed stands of Douglas-fir and paper birch in interior British Columbia

The influence of stand composition and age on forest floor chemical properties, nitrogen availability, and microbial activity was examined in mixed and pure stands of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera). Decomposition of Douglas-fir and birch litter over two years as well as annual litter input was also measured. Mixed and pure stands of each species aged 10–25, 50–65 and >85 years old were selected in the Interior Cedar Hemlock (ICH) zone of southern interior British Columbia. Significantly more total N was mineralized in the forest floor of pure birch compare to that of pure Douglas-fir stands while forest floor of mixed species stands had intermediate N mineralization values. When sampling times were pooled forest floor N mineralization was lowest in the young stands compared to the older stands. Stand composition did not significantly affect litter decomposition were found in litter decomposition, microbial respiration and biomass. Stand age, however, did affect these parameters significantly. More birch litter mass was lost in young stands than in their older counterparts while the opposite trend was observed for fir litter. Generally, lower basal respiration, microbial biomass and C_mic/C_org was found in young compared to older stands. Concentrations and contents of forest floor total N and exchangeable K and Mg, and pH under pure birch were consistently higher compared to pure Douglas-fir. While forest floor total C, available P contents, exchangeable K and Mg concentrations were lowest in young stands, no differences were observed for total N and exchangeable Ca. All litter nutrient concentrations and contents were highest in pure birch stands. No clear trends could be discerned in litter nutrient concentration data among stand ages, although when converted to nutrient contents, there was a general increase with stand age. Both stand type and age had significant effects on forest floor properties and processes suggesting that stand age is another factor to evaluate when assessing the influence of forest composition on forest floor processes and chemistry. In terms of the effect of mixture, the data indicated that the maintenance of paper birch in mixed stands in these forest may have some effect on nutrient availability and status.     

Export of Nutrients in Plant Biomass Following Harvest of Eucalypt Plantations in Kerala,India

Abstract

Pools of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were examined in the soil and above-ground plant biomass at the end of a 7 year rotation at two E. tereticornis lowland sites and two E. grandis highland sites in Kerala, India. Potential export rates of these nutrients were also examined for different biomass removal scenarios from the plantations. Pools of nutrients were measured in the above-ground components of the tree crop, forest floor and understorey, and in soil down to 1 m depth. At harvest, large quantities of biomass and nutrients are removed from eucalypt plantation sites, with the quantities of nutrients exported unlikely to be replaced through natural atmospheric and weathering inputs. Between 24 Mg ha^-1 and 115 Mg ha^-1 of biomass was exported in stem wood across the sites, and this increased to 40-145 Mg ha^-1 in scenarios where all of the branches, bark and understorey were also exported. Stem wood had the lowest concentration of nutrients and had a relatively low export of nutrient per kg of biomass. On average, 54 kg, 12 kg and 65 kg of N, P and K were removed per hectare in stem wood only, equivalent to 0.46%, 0.17%, and 6.7%, respectively, of above- and below-ground (to 1 m depth) site pools. Export increased to 194 kg, 30 kg, and 220 kg of N, P and K per hectare if the branches, bark and understorey were also removed (equivalent to 1.6%, 0.5% and 24.7% of above- and below-ground site pools down to 1 m depth). Export of Ca and Mg was also high, with an average of 88 kg and 11 kg of Ca and Mg removed per hectare if only the stem wood was taken (3.12% and 1.34% of total above-ground and exchangeable below-ground to 1 m depth), increasing to 501 kg ha^-1 and 66 kg ha^-1 if the branches, bark and understorey were also removed (21.7% and 11.3% of total above-ground and available below-ground to 1 m depth). Removals of this magnitude represent a significant proportion of site nutrient pools and have the potential to reduce future plantation productivity unless steps are taken to promote retention of biomass and nutrients on site and/or replacement of nutrients through fertilizer application.     

Leaf litter and its nutrient contribution in the cacao agroforestry system

Cacao agroforestry systems (cacao-AFS) produce abundant litter. After decomposing, litter releases nutrients into the soil. The aim of this research was to estimate litter production and its nutrient content in 35- and 55-year-old cacao-AFS. The research was conducted in three cacao-AFS of each age, in Cardenas, Tabasco, México. Four traps per cacao-AFS were used to collect litter. Litter was collected every 15 days for one year. It was then fractioned into cacao leaves, shade tree leaves, petioles, branches and stems, and cacao flowers and fruits. To determine nutrient content of litter, samples were composited by age of cacao-AFS and by season of the year. Then chemical analysis was done in triplicate. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, orthogonal contrasts, and Student t and Duncan tests. Cacao-AFS produce litter all year. Thirty-five-year-old cacao-AFS produced more litter than 55-year-old cacao-AFS (2042 vs 1570 kg DM ha^?1 year^?1). Except for the shade tree leaf fraction (559.5 vs 642 kg DM ha^?1), 35-year-old cacao-AFS were superior to 55-year-old cacao-AFS in all the other litter fractions. Cacao leaf fraction was the main source of litter in cacao-AFS of both ages. Neither age of cacao-AFS nor the season of the year affected N, K, Zn or S content in litter. Orthogonal contrasts indicated statistical differences between ages of cacao-AFS for P, Ca, and Fe content in litter. Both N–P–K–Ca–Mg contents in litter of 35-year-old cacao-AFS (1.2–0.4–1.2–1.7–0.4%) and in litter of 55-year-old cacao-AFS (1.1–0.6–1.2–1.4–0.4%) are enough to recover the nutrients extracted by the cacao crop.     

Seasonal Changes in the Nutrient Concentrations of Leaves and Leaf Litter in a Young Cryptomeria japonica Stand

The leaves and leaf litter of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don was collected from April 1994 to March 1995 to describe the seasonal changes in nutrient concentrations in leaves and leaf litter. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations were in the order new leaves > old leaves > leaf litter, whereas calcium (Ca) concentration was in the order leaf litter > old leaves > new leaves during the whole year. N, P and K concentrations were at their highest during the new leaf growth phase, and then decreased as a result of the diluting effect and translocation, whereas Ca increased with time. Magnesium did not show any clear seasonal trend compared with other nutrients. N resorption efficiency was lower than P resorption efficiency. There were two nutrient resorption peaks, which could be attributed to high nutrient translocation to new leaves in the spring and to translocation from old leaves before senescence in the autumn. A significant correlation between N and P resorption was observed.     

Biomass and nutrient accumulation in pure and mixed plantations of indigenous tree species grown on poor soils in the humid tropics of Costa Rica

Aboveground biomass and nutrients and soil chemical characteristics were examined in young plantations of four indigenous tree species: Hieronyma alchorneoides, Vochysia ferruginea, Pithecellobium elegans, and Genipa americana, growing in mixed and pure stands at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. Total tree biomass production rates ranged from about 5.2 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for G. americana to 10.3 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ for H. alchorneoides pure stands, and for the species mixture it was about 8.9 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. Branches and foliage formed 25–35% of total tree biomass but they represented about 50% of total tree nutrients. H. alchorneoides, the four species mixture, and P. elegans had the greatest accumulations of total aboveground nutrients per hectare. The importance of the plantation floor as a nutrient compartment varied temporally. When forest floor litter biomass was at its peak, plantation floor litter N, Ca, and Mg were roughly equal to, or greater than stem nutrients for all species except for P. elegans. For P. elegans, the plantation floor consistently represented a very low proportion of total aboveground nutrients. G. americana and V. ferruginea trees showed 55–60% less biomass accumulation in mixed than in pure stands while H. alchorneoides and P. elegans trees grew 40–50% more rapidly in mixture. P. elegans foliage had 60% lower Ca but higher P concentrations in mixed than in pure stands, and G. americana had higher foliar Mg in mixed than in pure stands. V. ferruginea stands had the highest concentrations of soil Ca, Mg, and organic matter, particularly in the top layers. Relative to pure plantations, soil nutrient concentrations in mixed plantations were intermediate for N, P, and K, but lower for Ca and Mg. The results of this study can be used in the selection of tree species and harvest designs to favor productivity and nutrient conservation.