Composition, diversity, and structure of a managed forest in central mexico

Abstract

Structural characterization of the vegetation facilitates forest management decision-making and prescription of silvicultural practices appropriate to the landowner´s purposes. In the ejido Nopalillo, municipality of Epazoyucan, located southeast of Hidalgo, Mexico, forest harvest is practiced in three associations dominated by Pinus montezumae Lamb., Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl., and Pinus patula Schl. et Cham., respectively. In addition, the ejido has an area dominated by Pinus-Quercus used as a conservation area. To characterize these four conditions, information from 79 sampling plots was analyzed, in which the arboreal, shrub and herbaceous strata were evaluated. Structural analysis of the vegetation was based on the Importance Value Index, Margalef, Simpson and Sorensen diversity indexes, as well as the vertical and horizontal structure in each association. The Pinus-Quercus area presented the largest basal area (28 m2/ha), normalized diameter (DBH) and average height (20.5 cm and 10.7 m), respectively, the highest proportion of large trees (DBH>60 cm) and species composition different from the other associations. The greatest total diversity was found in the areas under timber harvesting, and the highest tree diversity in the conservation area. The results can be used as a reference to identify the effect of silvicultural practices, they are also the basis for the development of strategies for forest management, conservation, and use.