This study aimed to quantify litterfall and litter decomposition in an agroforestry system in Viçosa, Minas Gerais and to compare litter production with the results obtained in semideciduous forests in Southeastern Brazil. Twenty wooden litter traps of 0.5 x 0.5 m with nylon screen bottoms and 1.0 mm² mesh were used, placed 10 cm above the surface of the soil. The collections were performed monthly from September 2000 to August 2001. The material deposited in the traps, under laboratory conditions, was sorted out in the fractions leaves, branches (up to 2.0 cm of diameter) and reproductive material, - dried to 70 ºC and weighed in a precision scale. The annual litter production was estimated in 10165.13 kg/ha (67.46% leaves, 19.87% reproductive material and 12.67% branches). The largest production values occurred at the end of the dry season, reaching a maximum value in September. The decomposition coefficient (K) was 1.17 and the time needed for the disappearance of 50% of the litter was estimated in 215 days.
Litter fall; agroforestry systems; reclamation of degraded areas
