Resumo

SANCHEZ, Saray; CRESPO, G.J  e  HERNANDEZ, Marta. Litter decomposition in a silvopastoral system of Panicum maximum and Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit cv. Cunningham: III. Influence of density and diversity of the associated macrofauna. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2010, vol.33, n.1, pp. 1-1. ISSN 0864-0394.

The trial was conducted at the EEPF «Indio Hatuey» in order to determine the litter decomposition in a silvopastoral system of Panicum maximum and Leucaena leucocephala and its relation to the density and diversity of the associated macrofauna. It was determined as biomass loss through time, with regards to initial weight. For the study of the decomposition dynamics the litter bag method was used. Four bags were randomly chosen 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 days after being placed in the pastureland. In each collection date, to the remnant litter of each bag, the macrofauna (organisms with diameter higher than 2 mm) population was determined by means of manual separation, and the average value of density (individuals/m²), as well as the proportional abundance (%) for each taxon, was calculated. The correlation and regression analysis was used to learn the interrelation among variables and the best adjustment models. According to the results, it is concluded that the humidity and temperature conditions generated by the tree in this system, as well as the quality of its litter, allow the presence of a diverse and stable fauna associated to the bags, which influenced the decomposition process.

Palavras-chave : Biodiversity; Leucaena leucocephala; litter; Panicum maximum.

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