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

  • Carlos A. Mendoza FCyT, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Entre Ríos.
  • Juan F. Gallardo Lancho Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC - IRNASA). Salamanca.
  • Pablo G. Aceñolaza CICyTTP-CONICET, F.C.A.-UNER, and CEREGEO-UADER. Entre Ríos.
  • Maria-Belen Turrion Área de Edafología y Química Agrícola and Instituto Universitario de Gestión Forestal Sostenible. E.T.S.II.A.A. University of Valladolid. Palencia.
  • Valentin Pando Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa. University of Valladolid. E.T.S.II.A. Palencia.

Abstract

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-1 in 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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Author Biography

Juan F. Gallardo Lancho, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC - IRNASA). Salamanca.
Prf. of research, Dr., Titular Prf. University.

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Published
2014-12-01
How to Cite
Mendoza, C. A., Gallardo Lancho, J. F., Aceñolaza, P. G., Turrion, M.-B., & Pando, V. (2014). Temporal evolution of litterfall and potential bio-element return in a successional forest sequence of the Espinal Ecoregion, Argentina. Forest Systems, 23(3), 411-424. https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2014233-05007
Section
Research Articles