The amount of litter produced and its seasonal fall were estimated during the period of one year, in a Seasonal Deciduous Forest ecosystem next to Santa Maria, RS. Thirty round-shaped metal collectors (50 cm diameter) were used, systematically distributed in 6 rectangular plots (10 m x 20 m) presenting similar environmental characteristics. The material deposited was collected monthly, separated into different fractions, dried and weighed. Litter production was 9.2 Mg/ha/year, presenting the following composition: 67.8% of leaves, 19.3% of fine branches and 12.9% of miscellany (flowers, fruit, seeds and other plant materials). The greatest amounts of litter production occurred between the months of July and September, in the winter, and the smallest productions between October and April, in the spring and summer. The devolution of litter presented negative correlations with the temperature.
Seasonal Deciduous Forest; litter; sustainability
