Canopy Trimming Experiment (CTE) Litterfall

This data set shows forest litter production and its response to the canopy trimming and debris addition or removal treatments. In addition, it shows patterns of interannual variation that can be related to environmental variables. In combination with data set 111 (MRCE Litterfall data), this is the long-term monitoring of leaf litter production at El Verde Research Area. The data reported here are for mass of litterfall pooled among collection baskets placed in the inner 20x20 m measurement plots collected at two-week intervals, beginning two years before the first treatments were applied. The litter mass data are reported for litter separated by plant parts. Litterfall contributes to mobilization of organic matter and nutrients from primary producers to soil. Support for this work was provided by grants BSR-8811902, DEB-9411973, DEB-9705814 , DEB-0080538, DEB-0218039 , DEB-0620910 , DEB-1239764, DEB-1546686, and DEB-1831952 from the National Science Foundation to the University of Puerto Rico as part of the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program. Additional support provided by the University of Puerto Rico and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, USDA Forest Service.