Understanding the enhanced litter decomposition of mixed-species plantations of Eucalyptus and Acacia mangium

Author(s)

Santos, Felipe Martini ^[1] ; Balieiro, Fabiano de Carvalho ^[2] ; Fontes, Marcelo Antoniol ^[3] ; Chaer, Guilherme Montandon ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Rural Rio de Janeiro, Dept Silvicultura, BR 465 Km 7, BR-23891000 Seropedica, RJ - Brazil

^[2] Embrapa Solos, Rua Jardim Bot 1024, Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil

^[3] Embrapa Agrobiol, BR 465 Km 7, BR-23891000 Seropedica, RJ - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLANT AND SOIL; v. 423, n. 1-2, p. 141-155, FEB 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Soil microbial-derived litter decomposition represents an important step in the global carbon and nutrient cycling and, at the local level, is primarily driven by litter chemistry. Here, we assessed how mixed-species plantations with Eucalyptus urograndis and Acacia mangium could be a key to enhancing litter production, decomposition, and soil microbial activity. The relationships between litter decomposition and litter quality and quantity were compared among 6-year-old monocultures of E. urograndis and A. mangium (E100+N and A100, respectively) and a mixed plantation of both species (E50A50). Additionally, we evaluated soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), soil basal respiration (SBR), soil enzymes and the N mineralization potential. The return to soil of N via litterfall in E50A50 was greater than E100+N, while the return of P in E100+N and E50A50 were higher than A100. The decomposition rate in A100 was slower than in the E50A50 and E100+N. The microbial activity, represented by soil enzyme activities (proteases and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidases), was consistently higher in E50A50 than in A100. The E50A50 presented a more balanced supply of N and P associated to a better structural quality of the litter for microbial metabolism, with synergic reflections on decomposition rates and release of nitrogen. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/16623-9 - Ecological intensification of eucalyptus plantations by association of nitrogen fixing leguminous tree species
• Grantee: José Leonardo de Moraes Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants