Comparative Dynamics of Above-Ground Litter Production and Decomposition from Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and Pinus taeda L., and Their Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon

The replacement of native pasture by exotic commercial forest species is an infrequent situation worldwide. In these systems, a new component introduced, litter, which constitutes one the main ways incorporating carbon into soil–plant system. present work seeks to establish methodological approach study dynamics litter production and decomposition in integrated way. general objective was characterize compare 14-year-old Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden Pinus taeda L. plantations. During two years, seasonal evaluations fall, accumulation were carried out stands both species. turn, contribution from soil through isotopic analysis techniques quantified. Litterfall E. showed maximums during spring first year summer second. P. taeda, occurred autumn relation rate, results based on short periods evaluation between 15 21 months did not show differences species, nor for different moments beginning evaluation, obtaining average values 0.0369 month−1 0.0357 taeda. rate material as whole estimates accumulated biomass equilibrium state significant Additionally, there relevant incorporation fundamentally few centimeters, substituting important proportion inherited original cover pastures. Finally, it necessary specify that scope findings obtained greatly limited sample size used this study.