Spatial distribution patterns of trees in a Pseudotsuga menziesii forest in Chihuahua, Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the tree spatial structure patterns of the mature forest in the Chihuahua, Mexico state, where conifers of conservation importance coexist as Pseudotsuga, Picea, and Abies. The data were collected from eight sampling sites of 1000 m2. 203 structural groups were analyzed in a general way, Pseudotsuga generated 84, Quercus 22, and Pinus 42, these reflected a random distribution according to index (Wi), while the degree of mixing (Mi) stated that the reference species has more than two neighbors of different species, no dominant diameters and heights were generally recorded as (UDi) and (UHi) showed similar values in each of the degrees of dominance, the dimensional differentiation (TDi), (THi) was moderate, similar to studies in disturbed and under-managed forests. Knowledge of the dynamics of mature forests is vital for a more accurate description of the relationships between species in a more authentic way, and it can be the basis for conservation or future restorations in disturbed areas.