STOCK OF LITTER IN RESTORATION FOREST AND TABLELAND ATLANTIC FOREST IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the accumulated litter at a forest restoration (FR) for 23 years with a primary Tropical Rain Forest (FP). Thirty permanent plots of 3 x 3 m were placed in each area. In the center of each plot the litter (0,50 x 0,50 x 0,05 m) was collected. The material was dried at 70 degrees C for 48 hours and the dry mass was measured. The matrix of Pearson correlation between the values of accumulated litter and environmental variables plant area index (PAI), soil compaction and density of shrub and tree individuals of natural regeneration layer were calculated. The mean values found (FR = 3,177 +/- 937 kg. ha(-1); FP = 4,411 +/- 1,389 kg. ha(-1)) of accumulated litter showed significant difference between the two study areas (p < 0.001). The accumulated litter showed significant correlation (p < 0.001) with soil compaction and plant area index.