Litterfall: A Bio-indicator for Edge Effect in a Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the use of litterfall as an indicator of fragmentation in a Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest in Além Paraíba, MG, Brazil. Litterfall was collected monthly for one year in conical collectors (0.25 m2 of surface), located at seven distances from the forest edge: 10, 30, 60, 100, 160, 250 and 350 m. The litterfall was dried in an oven and separated (leaves, branches, reproductive structures, miscellaneous). Litterfall was greater near the forest edge, probably due to a predominance of species with high leaf deposition (pioneers and deciduous). Litterfall had peaks at the beginning of the rainy season for the average obtained from the seven distances from the forest edge. The edge effect did not clearly influence the contribution of the fractions or the seasonality of total litterfall.

摘要
本研究旨在评估凋落物输入（litterfall）作为巴西米纳斯吉拉斯州（MG）阿尔蓬帕赖巴（Além Paraíba）一处半落叶季雨林（Semi-deciduous Seasonal Forest）片段化指标的应用潜力。研究于距林缘（forest edge）10、30、60、100、160、250及350米的7个距离梯度处，布设表面积为0.25 m²的圆锥形收集器，每月收集凋落物，为期一年。收集得到的凋落物经烘箱烘干后，被分离为叶片、枝条、繁殖结构及其他杂类组分。结果显示，林缘附近的凋落物输入量更高，这可能归因于高叶沉降物种（先锋种与落叶树种）的优势占比。对7个林缘距离梯度的均值分析表明，总凋落物输入量在雨季初期出现峰值。林缘效应并未对各组分的贡献占比或总凋落物输入的季节动态产生明确影响。