VARIACIONES ESTRUCTURALES DEL TIPO FORESTAL COIGUE-RAULI-TEPA

Abstract

The forest classification of Chile defines a forest type named Coigüe—Raulí—Tepa, assuming that those three species are the most characteristic of the type. To corroborate this assumption and to verify variations that occur within the andean range of the forest type, three areas through it, at 38°, 39° 30' and 40° S latitude were selected. Within these areas, 3 plots in undisturbed forest were selected for each combination of altitude — aspect. Two altitudes ( 6 0 0 - 8 0 0 and 8 0 0 - 1 0 0 0 m.o.s.l.) and four aspects (N, S, E, and W) were considered. In each plot a general soil analysis and vegetation analysis were performed. Vegetation was stratified according to three canopy, sapligs, tree regeneration and understorey.