Günter, S.; González, P.; Alvarez, G.; Aguirre, N.; Palomeque, X.; Haubrich, F. & Weber, M. (2009): <b>Determinants for successful reforestation of abandoned pastures in the Andes: Soil conditions and vegetation cover</b>. <i>Forest Ecology and Management</i> <b>258</b>, 81-91.
Resource Description
Title:
Determinants for successful reforestation of abandoned pastures in the Andes: Soil conditions and vegetation cover
FOR816dw ID:
454
Publication Date:
2009-03-26
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual:
Sven Günter
Contact:
email:
sven_gunter <at> yahoo.de
Dep. of Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Institute of Silviculture
Am Hochanger 13
Technische Universität München
85354 Freising
Germany
email:
m.weber <at> forst.wzw.tum.de
Am Hochanger 13
D-85354 Freising
Dep. Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Institute of Silviculture
85354 Freising
Germany
Abstract:
The Andes of Ecuador are known for their outstanding biodiversity but also as the region with the highest<br/>
deforestation rate in South America. This process is accompanied by accelerating degradation and loss of<br/>
environmental services. Despite an extraordinary richness in native tree diversity, more than 90% of all<br/>
forest plantations established in Ecuador consist of exotic species, primarily Eucalyptus spp. and Pinus<br/>
spp. This is mainly due to the lack of information about the autecological and synecological requirements<br/>
of the native species.<br/>
The present study aims at providing basic knowledge on the early height development of native<br/>
species in comparison to exotics. 12,000 seedlings of exotic and native species were planted in<br/>
experimental trials at three sites of different successional stages: recently abandoned pastures (Setaria<br/>
sphacelata), bracken (Pteridium arachnoideum) and shrubs. The results presented in this study refer to the<br/>
status of the seedlings 3 years after planting. Soil data were revealed from soil core analysis from a total<br/>
of 1008 soil samples distributed systematically over all plots. Soil chemical data were derived from a<br/>
subsample of 125 randomly selected soil core sites. Soil properties in the study area emerged to be<br/>
extremely heterogeneous. More than 60% of all plots presented two or more soil clusters. Soils in general<br/>
were very poor in plant available N. Soil heterogeneity affected extractable Mn and Mg, dominating<br/>
vegetation cover in turn affected Mn and P. Differences in soil properties had a strong effect for<br/>
Eucalyptus saligna and Alnus acuminata. Manual above ground weeding showed species-specific effects:<br/>
Tabebuia chrysantha and Heliocarpus americanus showed improved height growth, while that of Cedrela<br/>
montana was reduced. There is evidence that A. acuminata can compete in growth with exotic species.<br/>
Early successional species and exotics performed best on pasture dominated sites. Height growth of the<br/>
mid-successional species C. montana was facilitated by bracken fern under certain soil conditions, and<br/>
shrubs facilitated growth of T. chrysantha. The results indicate that reforestation with native species in<br/>
Ecuador is possible but requires intensive consideration of interactions with soil properties and<br/>
accompanying vegetation. Macroscopic soil core analysis can be a suitable instrument for detecting<br/>
small-scale variation of soil properties. Nevertheless, a characterisation of both small-scale variation as<br/>
well as variation on higher spatial scales, for instance by aerial photographs, is essential for effective<br/>
planning of reforestation measures in the Andes.
Literature type specific fields:
ARTICLE
Journal:
Forest Ecology and Management
Volume:
258
Page Range:
81-91
Metadata Provider:
Individual:
Sven Günter
Contact:
email:
sven_gunter <at> yahoo.de
Dep. of Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Institute of Silviculture
Am Hochanger 13
Technische Universität München
85354 Freising
Germany
