ABSTRACT
Litter production and decomposition of an Atlantic Forest fragment in Marambaia Island, Mangaratiba, RJ, were monitored from December 2003 to November 2004. For the litter deposition evaluation, 30 litter traps were installed and 36 litter bags were allocated in the area to quantify litter decomposition. Soil samples were collected at 0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-20 cm depth to evaluate soil fertility. The litter production was 7.9 Mg ha-1 and the highest deposition was verified in November and the lowest in June. The leaf fraction presented the highest contribution comparing to the others. In seven months of observation, litter decomposition rate was 40% and showed an exponential decrease. Different behavior for N, P and K release was verified. Exception for P, carbon, nutrients and H+Al presented highest concentrations in superficial layer.
Keywords:
nutrient cycling; decomposition; tropical forests