Temporal evolution of litterfall and potential bio-element return in a successional forest sequence of the Espinal Ecoregion, Argentina | Zendy

Carlos Alvarez-Mendoza | Zendy; Juan F. Gallardo | Zendy; Pablo Gilberto Aceñolaza | Zendy; MaríaBelén Turrión | Zendy; Valentín Pando | Zendy

Open Access

Temporal evolution of litterfall and potential bio-element return in a successional forest sequence of the Espinal Ecoregion, Argentina

Author(s) -

Carlos Alvarez-Mendoza,

Juan F. Gallardo,

Pablo Gilberto Aceñolaza,

MaríaBelén Turrión,

Valentín Pando

Publication year - 2014

Publication title -

forest systems

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 0.455

H-Index - 25

eISSN - 2171-9845

pISSN - 2171-5068

DOI - 10.5424/fs/2014233-05007

Subject(s) - ecological succession , plant litter , seasonality , ecology , litter , biology , ecosystem

Aim of study: The aim of this work was to assess the litterfall contribution and the return of bioelements of a successional forest sequence from the Mesopotamian Espinal (Argentina) which was associated with livestock production.

Area of study: Mesopotamian Espinal, Argentina.

Material and methods: Litterfall samples were taken and a chemical characterization of their fractions was determined in three stages: a) in the initial successional stage (IF); b) in an intermediate secondary forest (SF); and c) in a mature forest (MF).

Main results: The litterfall contribution of the three forests was 1140 ±98, 2947 ±154, and 2911 ±57 kg DM ha^-1 yr^-1; respectively. The IF showed a seasonal pattern of contribution with a peak occurring during summer (528 ±85 kg DM ha^-1 yr^-1), then decreasing during autumn, winter, and spring (241 ±30, 165 ±27, and 207 ±29 kg DM ha^-1 season^-1,respectively). The SF showed a rather constant seasonal pattern (about 750 kg DM season^-1). The MF showed significant differences among seasons, the maximum and minimum contributions ranging between 846 ±29 and 598 ±33 kg DM ha^-1 season^-1in summer and spring, respectively. The litterfall leaves/branch ratio decreased as ecological succession advanced, being lower as the forest gets more mature. As a consequence, this ratio can be used as an indicator of maturity in the sequence. The potential return of bio-elements of the successional forest sequence was proportional to the litterfall input, with a maximum amount of N in the Fabaceae species.

Research highlights: The litterfall assessment and the leaves/branch ratio allowed the characterization of the successional stages in Xerophytic forest used for livestock production.

Keywords: Semi-xerophytic trees; tree production pattern; plant organ contribution; leaf/branch ratio; return of bio-elements; tree nutrients.

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