Publication Date:
2020-04-07
Description:
Hardwood-dominated forests in south-central Chile have shade-tolerant and mid-tolerant tree species capable of regenerating and growing well in partial shade. To test the potential for using an uneven-aged silviculture in these forests, we established single-tree selection treatments at two mid-elevation sites within the Evergreen forest type in the Coastal range (Llancahue and Los Riscos, 40–42° S Lat). They had an average initial basal area of 70–80 m2 ha−1. In each stand, we established four 2000 m2 plots with a residual basal area of ~40 m2 ha−1, and four with a residual basal area of ~60 m2 ha−1. We planned for a maximum residual diameter of 80 cm, but needed to leave 20%–25% of the residual basal area in larger trees due to their great abundance in these old-growth forests. We re-measured these plots 5–6 years after the cuttings. We used mixed-effects models to evaluate the periodic annual increment (pai) in diameter and the abundance of tree regeneration, and linear models to evaluate ingrowth and changes in the basal area and volume. At Llancahue, the diameter pai of individual trees was significantly greater in the treatment with lower residual densities, especially for mid-tolerant species in lower diameter classes (5–20 cm). At both sites, the pai in the stand basal area and volume was greater in the more heavily stocked treatment, but differences were significant only at Llancahue. Regeneration was dominated by shade-tolerant species at both sites but was more abundant and more diverse at Llancahue. Taller tree regeneration (50–
Electronic ISSN:
1999-4907
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Permalink