Slow litter decomposition in a Cecropia-dominated secondary forest of central Amazonia

摘要: Different proportions of tree canopy cover in a second-growth forest were removed to determine the effect opening on carbon cycle 10-y-old tropical rain dominated by Cecropia species. Understorey vegetation was left intact. Mean maximum monthly temperature increased 50 and 100% cut areas relative 0% removal plots. Plots with had slightly higher soil moisture than Annual fine litter input 6.9±0.3 t ha−1 plots two separate peaks during year. There less tendency toward slower decomposition leaf more open greater cover. Percent lignin, nitrogen did not differ between kinds plant material used experiment. Quantity tannins, however, related directly rates. The annual decay rate (k) determined at 560 d from three bags ranged −0.39 −0.61. no significant difference rates associated percent removal. Decay estimates, using divided standing mass (the average dry wet season 10.3 ha−1), resulted k value −0.7 plots, any estimate obtained litterbags. Decomposition these are lower reported for primary forests Amazonia.