Effects of atmospheric deposition in n use in Ombrophylous Dense Forest tree species Caraguatatuba, SP

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) deposition generated by anthropogenic sources promotes input of new reactive nitrogen in the ecosystem which can lead to significant alteration in N cycle and biodiversity. The severity of impacts of atmospheric N deposition depends on many factors and one way to better understand the potential effects is through an empirical approach aiming to analyze the ecosystem structural and functional characteristics which could be modified by changes on acidification and eutrophication. Despite the extensive literature on the impact of increased nitrogen deposition in terrestrial ecosystems, there is little information available concerning tropical areas. In the future, N deposition is predicted to increase in many ecosystems, including Atlantic Rainforest. It has been shown that tree species in the Atlantic Forest occurring in the study area exhibit a continuum of N use strategies according to their regeneration status (pioneer, early secondary species, late secondary species) as predicted by the model of N use in tropical trees. This model could be used as a tool for monitoring the plant responses to N deposition, since the characteristics and strategies of N use are directly influenced by N availability and species preferences. The Project main objectives are: Characterize atmospheric nitrogen deposition in area study; and define a protocol to evaluate impact of atmospheric N deposition using the model of N use in tree species in Lowland Atlantic Rain Forest in Serra do Mar State Park, Caraguatatuba, SP. (AU)