Comparative Assessment of Litterfall Decomposition in Forest and Coffee Systems Under Shaded and Unshaded Conditions: A Case Study in Northern Peru

Pintado-Castillo F.; Fernandez-Zarate F.H.; Quispe M.J.; Coronel-Bustamante D.; Perez-Delgado L.; Tantalean J.; Juarez-Alarcón L.M.; Chavez-Collantes A.; Taboada-Mitma V.H.; Cruz-Luis J.; Seminario-Cunya A.; Huaccha-Castillo A.E. · International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics (2025) · DOI: 10.18280/ijdne.201105

Resumen

Litter decomposition is a fundamental process for the functioning of tropical ecosystems, as it regulates nutrient recycling and maintains soil fertility. This study evaluated the dynamics of litterfall degradation in three systems in northern Peru: forest (B), shaded coffee plantations (CCS), and unshaded coffee plantations (CSS), over a period of six months. Using in situ decomposition bags (n = 12 per system per month) and physicochemical analysis of soil and litter, it was determined that the forest had the highest decomposition rate (0.0028 day-1), followed by CSS (0.0018 day-1) and CCS (0.0015 day-1). These differences were associated with higher microbial activity and better substrate quality in the forest. Although the shaded coffee trees had lower decomposition rates, they showed the highest biomass accumulation (81.5 g), suggesting a favorable balance between productivity and organic matter conservation. Climatic analyses revealed that maximum temperature was the main driver of decomposition (r > 0.81), while relative humidity had an inhibitory effect (r ≈ -0.53). Furthermore, shaded coffee plantations replicated similar decomposition patterns to forest (r = 0.96), highlighting their potential as sustainable agroforestry systems. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining tree cover in coffee plantations to preserve key ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and soil fertility, in disturbed tropical landscapes. We recommend implementing 30-50% shade coverage using species adapted to each geographical area in order to optimize the nutrient cycle and mitigate the risks of degradation.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Chota; Universidad Nacional de Jaén