Abstract

REYES, Orlando J.  and  FORNARIS-GOMEZ, Euclides. Functional characteristics of the major forests of eastern Cuba. Polibotánica [online]. 2011, n.32, pp.89-105. ISSN 1405-2768.

The functioning of eight main ecosystems of eastern Cuba was studied, which cover the widest range of variation in ecological conditions (altitude, rocks, soils, rainfall) and vegetation. For the study of individual ecosystems, the method of Herrera and Rodriguez (1988) was used, modifying the formula (L+F)/H to determine the overall rate of decomposition of the litter. It confirms that sclerophylly increases with the accentuation of stressful environmental conditions. The lowest values of the ratio (L+F)/H (eueremazimotic ecosystems) are observed in highly humid and very poor soils, in which there are major environmental stresses.

Keywords : decomposition; functioning; litter; sclerophylly; tropical forests.

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