Vochysia guatemalensis Donn. Smith, an alternative species for reforestation on acid tropical soils
Fecha
2016-03
Tipo
artículo original
Autores
Camacho Umaña, Manuel Ernesto
Alvarado Hernández, Alfredo
Fernández Moya, Jesús
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Resumen
Vochysia guatemalensis Donn. Smith is a native species commonly used in
small-scale reforestation programs in Costa Rica recognized for its fast growth under
acidic and unfertile soil conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient concentration
dynamics on individual trees of V. guatemalensis of increasing ages, in order to improve
the understanding some aspects of its ecology as well as management of this tree species.
Nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B) and Al concentration in stems,
branches and foliage were measured using false time series (also known as chronosequences)
in 13 different tree stands (2–21 years) found in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa
Rica. N, K and S concentrations in the stems showed a significant inverse relationship with
DBH; while P, S, and Cu foliar contents increased with DBH. Average foliar concentrations
of N, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, B, and Al showed little or no variation with tree growth.
Foliar Al concentration (21, 297–28, 826 mg kg-1) was higher than previously reported as
toxic for non-Al accumulating species (\1000 mg kg-1), confirming V. guatemalensis as
an Al hyper accumulator. Our results reinforce the possibility of using V. guatemalensis for
timber production, especially to improve the income of small farmers farming on very
acidic soils. The nutrient concentrations that were obtained for different tree components
provide baseline information for further studies where the objective is to evaluate the
nutritional status of a site.
Descripción
Palabras clave
White yemeri, Forest nutrition, Foliar nutrient concentration, Small-scale planted forest, Al tolerance, Tropical lowland forest