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Published:
Aug 31, 2006
Keywords:
Eucalyptus nitens
litter fall
litter layer
nutrient dynamic
biomass

Abstract

The litterfall in Eucalyptus nitens plantations, established on an andisol (close to Fresia, X Region, Chile), were measured after canopy closure (4–7 years old), in an area under different fertilization treatments. At canopy closure annual litterfall was the highest (7–11 t ha–1), and becoming lower after it (5-6 t ha–1); the main quantity was measured in summer (45-60%). With the annual biomass the following amounts of nutrients return to the soil (kg ha–1 year–1): 20-50 N, 1-4 P, 5-40 K and 31-151 Ca, respectively, depending on age and fertilizer treatment. The O horizon (litter layer) accumulated 6-10 t ha–1 dry matter at age 7 and the thinning and pruning, carried out at age 5-6, contributed with similar amounts of branches and bark. The litter layer accumulated 100-190 N, < 15 P, 20-40 K and 140-230 Ca kg ha–1, respectively. This biomass and nutrients constitute an important reservoir for the ecosystem and the sustainability of future rotations.

Juan E. Schlatter
Víctor Gerding
Sigrid Calderón
How to Cite
Schlatter, J. E., Gerding, V., & Calderón, S. (2006). Litter contribution to biogeochemical cycle in Eucalyptus nitens plantations, X Region, Chile. Revista Bosque, 27(2), 115–125. Retrieved from https://revistabosque.org/index.php/bosque/article/view/960

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