Fine Litterfall and Related Nutrient Inputs Resulting From Hurricane Hugo in Subtropical Wet and Lower Montane Rain Forests of Puerto Rico

D. Jean Lodge; F. N. Scatena; C. E. Asbury; M. J. Sanchez

doi:10.2307/2388249

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Fine Litterfall and Related Nutrient Inputs Resulting From Hurricane Hugo in Subtropical Wet and Lower Montane Rain Forests of Puerto Rico

Formally Refereed

Authors:

D. Jean Lodge, F. N. Scatena, C. E. Asbury, M. J. Sanchez

Year:

1991

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2307/2388249

Source:

Biotropica

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Abstract

On 18 September 1989 Hurricane Hugo defoliated large forested areas of northeastern Puerto Rico. In two severely damaged subtropical wet forest sites, a mean of 1006-1083 g/m2, or 419-4 51 times the mean daily input of fine litter (leaves, small wood, and miscellaneous debris) was deposited on the forest floor. An additional 928 g/m' of litter was suspended above the ground. A lower montane rain forest site received 682 times the mean daily fine litterfall. The concentrations of N and P in the hurricane leaf litter ranged from 1. 1 ro 1. 5 and 1. 7 to 3. 3 times the concentrations of N and P in normal leaffall, respectively. In subtropical wet forest, fine litterfall from the hurricane contained 1.3 and 1.5-2.4 times the mean annual litterfall inputs of N and P, respectively. These sudden high nutrient inputs apparently altered nutrient cycling.

Keywords

hurricane, Puerto Rico, defoliated, disturbance, leaf litter

Citation

Lodge, D. Jean; Scatena, F. N.; Asbury, C. E.; Sanchez, M. J. 1991. Fine Litterfall and Related Nutrient Inputs Resulting From Hurricane Hugo in Subtropical Wet and Lower Montane Rain Forests of Puerto Rico. Biotropica. 23(4): 336-. https://doi.org/10.2307/2388249.