Deposition of litter and nutrients in leaves and twigs in different plant communities of northeastern Mexico

Abstract

Studies on litterfall and decomposition provide estimations of decomposition rates of different ecosystems. This is key information to understanding ecosystem dynamics and changes in a scenario of global warming. The objective of this research was to assess litterfall production, the potential deposition of macro and micronutrients through leaf and twig fall as well as macronutrient—use efficiency in three forest ecosystems at different altitudes: a pine forest mixed with deciduous species (S1); a Quercus spp. forest (S2); and, a Tamaulipan thornscrub forest (S3). Total annual litterfall deposition was 594,742 and 533 g m⁻² for S1, S2 and S3. Leaf litter was higher (68%) than twigs (18%), reproductive structures (8%) or miscellaneous material (6%). Micronutrient leaf deposition was higher for Fe followed by Mn, Zn and Cu. Macronutrient leaf deposition was higher for Ca followed by K, Mg and P. Even though P deposition in leaves and twigs was lower than other macronutrients, its nutrient use efficiency was higher than Ca, Mg or K. Altitude and species composition determine litter and nutrient deposition, with higher values at mid-altitudes (550 m). Altitude is an important factor to consider when analyzing litter production as well as nutrient deposition as shown in this study. Litter production and nutrient deposition are expected to change in a scenario of global warming.

Keywords

Deciduous species / Litter deposition / Leaf/twig litter nutrients / Pine forest / Tamaulipan thornscrub

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