Abstract

CALVO-ALVARADO, Julio; RODRIGUEZ-SOLIS, María  and  CALVO-OBANDO, Ana. Litterfall dynamics in a late tropical dry forest and relationship with climate variables and water balance, Costa Rica. Kurú [online]. 2023, vol.20, n.47, pp.48-54. ISSN 2215-2504.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18845/rfmk.v20i47.6822.

An interannual comparison of monthly litterfall production was conducted in a late successional stage of a tropical dry forest (TDF) in the Santa Rosa National Park. According to the literature, the annual average litterfall production of three years (6.7 tons/ha/year) indicates that the site has a production value in the intermediate ranges for TDF. It was also found that the dry season produces 57% of the volume of litterfall biomass. The biomass ratio of leaves and foliar components was 56% and 44%, correspondingly, for one year of analysis. No direct relationship was found between annual climatic variables and litterfall production. However, there is clear evidence that the years with the most extended growth season and the smaller evapotranspiration deficits have the highest litterfall productivity.

Keywords : Parque Nacional Santa Rosa; Thornthwaite; evapotranspiration.

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