Seasonal litterfall and nutrients in an Atlantic Forest fragment

Litter dynamics is one of the fundamental processes for growth and maintenance native forest fragments, being considered main pathway nutrient cycling in forests. Studies on litter production content therefore provide insights that a better understanding dynamics. This study identifies seasonality meteorological conditions influence quantity return nutrients through an Atlantic Forest fragment. sampling was carried out monthly 12 permanent plots. Each plot contained 5 littertraps distributed systematically. The classified, dry mass leaves branches miscellaneous fractions quantified. Seasonal behavior observed, with highest depositions winter season. average annual 6.78 Mg ha-1, 64.9% composed leaves. mean intake 135.1, 115.7, 39.7, 23.5, 17.6 4.6 kg ha-1 Ca, N, K, Mg, S P, respectively. variable precipitation influenced deposition pattern. increase nutrient-use efficiency second year compared to first indicates plants strategically may be re-translocating relative amounts their under water stress conditions.
 Keywords: ecosystem functions, cycling, secondary succession.