Nutrients Release Through Leaf Litter Decomposition in Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus globulus Plantation

This study had the objective to evaluate the nutrients release through leaf litter decomposition in Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus globulus hybrid plantation, Eldorado do Sul-RS. We used the litterbags techniques to assess the decomposition. We used 648 litterbags, with 18 samples collected monthly during 36 months. Mass loss leaf showed positive correlation with nutrients concentration, indicating that the higher mass loss, higher the nutrients concentration in litter remaining. Litter leaf decay initially showed P, Fe, Mn and Zn immobilization and release of the others, in the second year occurred P release and in the third year occurred Mn and Zn release, with Fe exception.