SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF CARBON AND NUTRIENTS IN LITTER IN Khaya STANDS IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Scarce information is available on soil-plant interactions to guide management practices for the Khaya genus. This study aims to evaluate the influence of seasonality on the accumulation of litter during two different rainfall periods, as well as to determine its nutrient and carbon content and stock in stands of Khaya at 10.6 years of age. The samples were collected using a template measuring 0.25 m × 0.25 m (0.0625 m²) in a zigzag pattern with a minimum distance of 4 m between points.
Results: Nutrient contents were quantified, including macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and B), as well as organic carbon in the plant tissue of three species of Khaya (K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis,and K. senegalensis). In terms of C content, no statistical differences were found between the species during the rainy season. However, for the same period, higher stocks of macronutrients were observed in the following order: Ca > N > Mg > K > S > P. Among micronutrients, Fe showed the highest and Cu showed the lowest stocks.
Conclusion: K. ivorensis species exhibited the highest biomass production and the best nutritional quality.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The published articles are freely distributed among researchers and social media, and all authors transfer the copyright to Cerne. The research findings can also be used in classroom teaching, conferences, dissertations/theses, and other applications without any restriction. We strongly recommend citing the article to reach a wider audience. The Author also declares that the work is original and free of plagiarism. The authors agree with the publication and are responsible for the accuracy of the information.