Browsing by Author "Gracía Alonso, Carlos"

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    Biomasa foliar, desfronde y descomposición de la hojarasca en los rodales de Polylepis reticulata del Parque Nacional Cajas
    (2015) Pinos Flores, Juan Andrés; Hampel, Henrietta; Gracía Alonso, Carlos
    In this study we analyzed leaf litterfall (falling leaves), leaf turnover and the process of litter decomposition of Polylepisreticulata in 6 permanent unlogged sample plots, 100m², located in the Cajas National Park (Cuenca, Azuay) for a period of 9 months. To measure leaf litterfall, five circular collectors (0.125m² opening; 2mm mesh size) were distributed in each plot and contents collected every 15 days. Decomposition bags (dimensions 15 x 15 cm; 2mm mesh size) with about 20g (dry weight) of litterfall, were placed in the soil covered with moss and litter. The bags were collected in periods of 30, 60, 90, 150 and 210 days. Mean annual litterfall for Polylepisreticulata was 3.85 Tons/ha and leaf turnover was 1.75 years. The maximum leaf production was in the month of May and was 4 times greater than the minimum. In 210 days, the decomposition bags lost 20% of its mass and resulted in a rate of 0.40 year-1.