Litterfall as environmental indicator in semideciduous forest fragments in Sorocaba, SP, Brazil

Abstract

Litterfall is an important forest component and has potential as reaction indicator, and his approach is fundamental in the setting of forest conservation. Therefore, the objective of study was evaluate the contribution of litter as environmental indicator in fragments of semideciduous forest in Sorocaba, SP, Brazil. In Ipaneminha river basin, was selected five forest fragments in the same matrix semideciduous forest. Were delimited 10 plots and the samples collections were made during the period of February (2008) to July (2009), comprising eighteen month evaluation. The litterfall collected was separated into leaves, branches, reproductive material and amorphous material, and subsequently weighed. Furthermore, was performed to characterize the fragments using biotic and abiotic data. The fragment F4 had the highest contribution of litterfall fraction when compared with the fragments F3 and F5. The months of water supply, after the driest period of the year, showed the same tendency, especially when considered leaves. The characterization of the fragments and the contribution of litter showed similar results.