Dynamics of adult and regenerative tree species components in a cloud forest in the South Plateau of Santa Catarina state, Brazil

Abstract

The dynamics of adult and regenerative tree species components was assessed in a cloud forest in the South Plateau of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, seeking a better understanding of the process of vegetation development. To this end, permanent sampling plots were allocated, where the adult and regenerative components were characterized, respectively, in 2011 and 2013. All surveyed species were classified according to regeneration guilds into pioneer, light-demanding climax, and shade-tolerant climax. In 2015, a second tree species component survey was conducted to determine the growth of surviving individuals (adults) and count the recruited and dead individuals. For each population, the net change rates for individuals (adults and regenerative) and basal area (only adults) were determined. Proportion tests were conducted to verify whether representativeness of the regeneration guilds changed over the study period. The results showed that the forest investigated is undergoing a structuring process characterized by gains in number of individuals and basal area. In contrast, stability in species richness and representativeness of regeneration guilds was verified, with highlight for light-demanding climax species. In conclusion, the assessed forest is undergoing a structuring phase that favors the regeneration of light-demanding species.

Keywords:
Upper montane Araucaria Forest; Regeneration guilds; Demographic rates