Litter accumulation and dendrometric variables relations in a hibrid stand of <em>Eucalyptus urophylla x E. globulus maidenii</em>, in Eldorado do Sul/RS/BRASIL

Abstract

In a 5.5 years old Eucalyptus urophylla x E. globulus maidenii stand with 5.5 years old, in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil, the litter accumulation and its relation with dendrometric variables were studied. In 4 (four) plots (20 m x 20 m each), 3 (three) sub-plots (3 m x 2 m each) were installed for branches (diameter > 1 cm) and the fine litter (leaves, branches with diameter ≤ 1 cm, barks, fruits, seeds, etc.) collection. The dendrometric variables were obtained (Diameter at breast height-DBH, and the total height-TH 3 (three) plots (20 m x 30 m each). Fine litter accumulated was 18.4 Mg ha^-1 (CV% 29.6%). Coarse branches accumulation was 1.06 Mg ha^-1 (CV% 49.5%), totalizing 19.5 Mg ha^-1 of organic material accumulated. The average DBH was 17 cm and the TH 21.6 m, with basal area of 22.7 m² ha^-1. The correlation between litter accumulation, coarse branches and total organic matter was positive to the number of trees and negative to DBH and Ht and out to the basal area. It demonstrates the higher litter accumulation in areas with more trees (even smaller ones), which can be related to higher litter production in these areas and to low decomposition rate, in general associated to low productivity sites.