Litterfall and Nutrient Return in Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden in the Pampa Biome, Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate litterfall and nutrient return in a Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden stand in the Pampa Biome. Four plots were established and four litter collectors per plot were distributed systematically with an area of 0.5 m² and four subplots used to collect large branches of > 0.5 cm diameter. The collections were carried out biweekly with monthly chemical analyzes over 12 months. The annual litterfall was 8.48 Mg ha-1, of which 59% was composed of leaves. In general, the leaves had the highest macronutrient contents except for Mg. The total macronutrient return was 215 kg ha-1, in the following order: Ca > N > K > Mg > S > P, with the leaves responsible for the return of 73% of the total. The litter represented an important source of organic matter and nutrients, and temperature is the climatic variable that best explains the pattern of production.