Variabilidad topográfica y edáfica en bosques de Nothofagus betuloides (Mirb) Blume, en el suroeste de Tierra del Fuego, Chile

Abstract

We examined the topographic and edaphic variability of sites dominated by Nothofagus betuloides and associated tree species in southwestern Tierra del Fuego. Edaphic and topographic characteristics were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. The relationships between soil and topography were strongly related to climatic characteristics (temperature and humidity) of different sites. Soils with the highest degree of fertility, deep and well drained, were located at the lowest elevations (< 150-200 m) and had gentle slopes (< 5 %). Pure forests of N. betuloides occurred in a wide topographic range with high soil variation. The different associations of N. betuloides, with the species N. pumilio, N. antárctica and Drimys winteri, occupy more specific site conditions. Nothofagus betuloides - N. pumilio occurred mostly in the most favorable sites with fertile soils. Nothofagus betuloides - N. antárctica occurred at higher elevations, and steeper slopes, characterized by very thin soils. Nothofagus betuloides - D. winteri occurred in coastal lowlands, with greater humidity and heavier rainfall, and deep soils with limited drainage. © 2007 Sociedad de Biología de Chile.