Edaphic and structural differences between two seasonal forests in the Cerrado biome

Abstract

Comparative studies between semideciduous (SSF) and deciduous (DSF) seasonal forests in the Cerrado biome are rare. Two fragments were selected along the slopes of Araguari River valley in western Minas Gerais State (southeastern Brazil), in order to investigate the difference between these two types of seasonal forests. Both fragments are geographically close to each other, with similar environmental conditions. Sixty replicate plots of 20 x 10 m were located within each stand and all woody plants, larger than 5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh), were surveyed. Soil samples were collected and their physical and chemical characteristics were analyzed. Soil water content was estimate for three depths seasonal samples (dry and wet condition). The results indicate that two seasonal forests on the lithosols differ significantly as to the water regimes throughout the year as well as to soil texture and chemical elements. Each forest presented an idiosyncratic set of edaphic specialist species and suggests predictable shifts in composition, diversity and dominance in each site. The arboreal structural differences among two forests were low. This study showed that differences between two seasonal forest types can be explained by edaphic condition. Confirmed this tendency in large scale, these two types of seasonal forests requires specific programs of studies, management and conservation actions in Cerrado.

Key words: seasonally dry tropical forest, deciduous seasonal forests, semideciduous seasonal forests, Cerrado biome.