Nutrient release and decomposition time of Eucalyptus urograndis harvest residues practices under Brazil tropical conditions

Abstract The forest areas, besides their importance in the economic sector, have an important role in soil conservation when sustainable silvicultural practices are adopted. The objective of this work was to evaluate the accumulation and decomposition of eucalyptus harvest residues in Eucalyptus urograndis plantations in areas subjected to different management systems of harvest residues in eastern Mato Grosso do Sul. Litter bags were used to evaluate the decomposition of harvest residues and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and C) content of the remaining residues under different harvesting systems during a 36-month period. Harvesting in the cut to length (CTL) system provided greater phytomass and N, P, K, Ca, and C contents. The decomposition of harvest residues in the CTL system was greater during the initial months. T he removal of the bark reduced the amount of N and increased the decomposition time, as observed in the tree-length (TL) system. The amount and composition of forest harvest residues affect their decomposition and nutrient release. The forest harvest residues present mass loss as a function of decomposition time, influenced by the rainfall regime.