Burlap and Breakdown of Waste Plant in Desertification Processes Semiarid of the State of Alagoas

Land degradation in the semi-arid region results from natural processes, which can be induced by man through the inadequate use of resources. The litter exerts numerous functions in the balance and dynamics of the ecosystems, comprising the most superficial layer of the soil in forest environments. The decomposition assessment provides an integrated view of the system, improving the assessment of local impacts across the basin. The objective of this study was to analyze the litter fractionation and the rate of decomposition of the vegetal residues, aiming to use such variables as indicators of the desertification processes, in areas with increasing levels of degradation in the Piranhas municipality in the semi-arid region of the State of Alagoas. Areas were sampled at different stages of degradation: preserved, moderately degraded and intensely degraded, in the municipality of Piranhas-AL. The litter was collected using an iron square of 1 m2, separated in woody and non-woody fraction, and the dry mass of each fraction was quantified in each area. Sampling sites were selected and ten collections were done per area. The rate of decomposition was by mass loss analysis using litter bags. The litter bags consist of polyvinyl bags with a mesh of 4 mm and dimensions of 25 x 25 cm and 1.5 cm in height. In each litter, bag was added 10 grams of collected litter, taken to greenhouse at 65ºC until constant weight. The litter bags were randomly distributed in the areas and included a growing area for comparison. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test methods. The litter production was higher in the low caatinga area of ​​degradation with a total value of 4.49; The value of the decomposition constant with the most prominence was in the CEMD, with 0.0034. The litter production and stock were higher in the most preserved area of the caatinga fragment after the rainy season, according to the characteristics of this biome and confirming that it is at that moment that more care should be taken as its management.