Decomposition and Microbial Activity of Forest Floor Litter in the South of Espírito Santo

ABSTRACT The decomposition process of litter should be widely studied, as it is a key factor for nutrient maintenance and cycling in ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the decomposition, release of nutrients, and microbial activity of the forest floor litter of secondary forest, Acacia mangium, Sapindus saponaria, and Hevea brasiliensis in the south of Espirito Santo. The litter decomposition and nutrients release was measured by means of litter bags added to each forest cover. For the assessment of microbial activity, we quantified mineralizable carbon by CO2 evolution. The results showed that the forest covers behaved differently in terms of decomposition and microbial activity; particular emphasis is given to Sapindus saponaria, which presented a faster decomposition of litter. The cover of Sapindus saponaria also presented higher amounts of accumulated CO2 compared to other forest covers; whereas the cover of Acacia mangium presented the lowest values of accumulated CO2.