Harvest Residue Decomposition from Eucalyptus sp. Plantations in Temperate Climate: Indicators and Contribution to Nutrient Cycling

The sustainable management of forest plantations by keeping the harvest residues on site improves soil’s chemical, physical and biological properties while constituting an important nutrient reserve. Our objectives were: (a) to identify quantify characteristics Eucalyptus dunnii, grandis globulus that affect decomposition rates residues, as well indicators can explain process (b) potential recycling nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg) soil from residue quantitative qualitative differences between species. We analyzed information five commercial Uruguay. At harvest, biomass leaves, thin thick branches, bark their respective N, P, K, Ca Mg contents were quantified. each site, bags with samples different left decompose periodically collected throughout 24 months. dunnii presented largest amounts all parts. depended chemical constitution, part size leaves showed shortest half-life (0.94 years), same species longest (5.62 years). Total carbon (total soluble) contents, which be easily determined, emerged good predictors for estimation. release patterns nutrients more dynamics in plant parts than itself. results highlight importance ensure sustainability productive system medium long term.