Performance of Mechanical Forest Vegetation Clearing Technique and Litter Decomposition
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Data
2010
Autores
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Editora
Spanish Journal of Rural Development
Resumo
A mechanical technique for forest vegetation treatment is presented and analysed. A
brush-cutting machine was used with Mediterranean-type vegetation in a forest
vegetation management program to enhance wildlife habitat by promoting vegetation
resprouting and grass reestablishment in mature shrublands. The performance of
working time components was evaluated. Equipment components are described as well
as benefits and applications of the technique. Two sites were compared in terms of
vegetation composition and biomass, mechanical working performance, and litter
decomposition rates. Litter decomposition was followed over a 2-year period. Changes
in litter mass and nutrient content through time are evaluated and discussed. A working
productivity between 3 and 4 h.ha-1 was obtained for different site and vegetation
conditions. A major reduction of litter dry mass happens in the first 6 month after
vegetation cutting. Litter decomposition rates range from -0.32 to -0.14 year-1 and the
time for total decomposition ranges between 4 to 6 years. Litter nutrient composition
presents the following order N>Ca>K>Mg>P. The relative mobility of these nutrients
follows the order N>K>Ca>Mg>P. The estimated annual nutrient net release is about
91.8 kg N.ha-1, 4.5 kg P.ha-1, 52.8 kg K.ha-1, 39.5 kg Ca.ha-1 and 13.7 kg Mg.ha-1.
Different litter decomposition rates and nutrient release on both sites and are discussed.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
forest vegetation , litter decomposition , mechanical vegetation clearing