Total organic carbon and nutrient contents in the soil and litter layer in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT The forests of Brazilian Atlantic coast are poorly studied in terms of nutrient pools and dynamics. The purpose of this study was to determine the amounts and contents of organic carbon and Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, and N in the soil and the litter layer on slopes and in valley bottoms in Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The nutrient cycling process on slopes (more oligotrophic environments) and valley bottoms (less oligotrophic environments) was also compared. Samples were collected from 15 plots (100 m² each), 10 on slopes (Conde, Cobras and Tijuca) and five in valley bottoms (Valley bottom 1 and 2). The soil compartment (exchangeable/available and total nutrient contents to a depth of 0.30 m) and litter compartment (O1 and O2 horizons) were evaluated. The total organic carbon content in the soil and litter biomass on slopes were higher than in the valley bottoms. On slopes, there was a clear separation of horizons O1 and O2 in the litter layer, unlike the valley bottoms, probably due to a higher nutrient content in these positions. The difference in nutrient availability was most evident for K. These results characterize the study area as oligotrophic, although it has considerable potential for replacement of nutrients lost by leaching.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Clevelário Júnior,Judicael, Barros,Nairam Félix de, Novais,Roberto Ferreira, Villani,Ecila Mercês de Albuquerque, Souza,Agostinho Lopes de
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Universidade Federal de Santa Maria 2021
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1980-50982021000100001
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