Abstract

ROMAN DANOBEYTIA, Francisco et al. Establishment of six native tree species in a degraded pasture at Lacandon Rainforest, Chiapas, Mexico. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2007, vol.6, n.1-2, pp.1-8. ISSN 1726-2216.

This research was carried out in a degraded pasture at Selva Lacandona tropical rain forest in Chiapas, Mexico. During a whole year weeding and fertilization effects were assessed on the seedling performance of six native tree species measuring survival and growth. From the dry season onwards the survival probability of the seedlings rise under grass covering (without weeding treatment) both for light demanding and shadow tolerating species. Helophytic seedlings, Ceiba pentandra, Schizolobium parahyba and Swietenia macrophylla had higher levels of survival and growth than shadow tolerating species, Brosimum alicastrum, Calophyllum brasiliense and Ormosia schippii. Relative growth rate (TRC) in height and diameter changed significantly for the simple effect of weeding and for the species itself. The simple effect of weeding indicated a higher growth on height and diameter of the plants under weeding treatment. We did not observe any significant effects of the fertilization on plants performance. The effect of the species was the most consistent factor in explaining variances in the three response variables, meaning that the tree species under investigation had specific survival and growth trajectories which lie aside the effect of the treatments.

Keywords : Degraded pastures; fertilization; ecological restoration; seedling performance; secondary succession; weed control.

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