Litterfall in Secondary Forests in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest of Parana State

This research is focused in evaluating the litterfall in secondary forests of Dense Ombrophilous Submontane Forest in the coast of Parana state. The annual litterfall produced was evaluated monthly by 25 collectors (1 m(2)), systematically distributed in each secondary formation (1 ha) and separated into fractions (twigs, reproductive organs, remains, and leaves). There was no significant difference between the secondary formations on the annual litterfall, probably due to the similarities they both have with respect to the structure of vegetation and meteorological conditions. The highest deposition of total litter and fractions occurred in the months of highest temperature and rainfall. The fraction leaves were the most representative of total litterfall in all formations, with the less evolved secondary forests (FS-1) contributing with fewer number of species, when compared with the intermediate and more evolved secondary forests (FS-2) and (FS-3), respectively.