Can a fast-growing early-successional tree (Ochroma pyramidale, Malvaceae) accelerate forest succession?

Abstract

Abstract:Species-specific traits of trees affect ecosystem dynamics, defining forest structure and understorey development. Ochroma pyramidale is a fast-growing tree species, with life-history traits that include low wood density, short-lived large leaves and a narrow open thin crown. We evaluated forest succession in O. pyramidale-dominated secondary forests, diverse secondary forests, both 10–15 y since abandonment, and rain forests by comparing height, density and basal area of all trees (> 5 cm dbh). Furthermore, we compared species richness of understorey trees and shrubs, and basal area and density of trees of early- and late-successional species (< 5 cm dbh) between forest types. We found that tree basal area (mean ± SD: 32 ± 0.9 m2 ha−1) and height (12.4 ± 1.8 m) of canopy trees were higher, and density (1450 ± 339 ha−1) lower in O. pyramidale forests than in diverse forests, and more similar to rain forest. Understorey shrub diversity and tree seedling density and diversity were lower in O. pyramidale forests than in diverse forests, but these forest types had a similar density of early- and late-successional trees. Canopy openness (> 15%) and leaf litter (> 10 cm) were both highest in O. pyramidale forests, which positively affected density of understorey trees and shrubs and negatively affected density of late-successional trees. In conclusion, O. pyramidale forests presented structural features similar to those of rain forest, but this constrained the establishment of understorey tree species, especially late-successional species, decreasing successional development.

Tropical Secondary Forest Management Influences Frugivorous Bat Composition, Abundance and Fruit Consumption in Chiapas, Mexico

“…The community of Lacanhá is located on the margin of Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico with an elevation of 355-370 m above sea level [25] and a dominating surface of rain forest (Maldonado Unpublished data). For a more detailed view of the study area and the locations of the study sites see Vleut et al [11]. All study sites were located on private lands and owners Manuel Castellano and Eva Chankin gave consent to conduct the study on their lands.…”

“…The Mexican Maya Lacandon, developed effective management strategies for the fallow periods [8–10], which includes the sowing of selected tree species during this period, such as Swietenia macrophylla or Ceiba pentandra for their timber qualities, or Ochroma pyramidale , a pioneer tree known for its rapid growth and capacity to restore soil fertility [11]. Ochroma pyramidale is a fast growing light demanding early-successional species [9,12–14], able to reach up to 6 m in a year, that can improve soil fertility through the acceleration of soil organic matter accumulation [15,16].…”

“…Changes in structure and composition due to specific traits of this dominant tree could trigger important cascading effects, as compositional and structural differences in tropical forests have been associated with differences in the bat species composition or species-specific abundance [17–21]. Ochroma pyramidale secondary forests presented higher canopy openness and tree height, lower tree density and higher shrub density in the understory in comparison with control secondary forests [11]. A higher canopy openness could negatively affect bat assemblage, due to increasing predation risk [22], but could increase the abundance of Carollia and Sturnira bats, preferring fruits from light demanding early-successional shrub species (e.g.…”

Natural Regeneration after Long-Term Bracken Fern Control with Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) in the Neotropics

“…However, potential consequences of introducing non-native plants, especially fast-growing ones, should be carefully evaluated. Thus, balsa should be used with caution for restoring areas in which it is not native, although it poses a low risk given its rapid growth and relatively short life cycle (15 years), after which it tends to be replaced by other species [51]. Use of glyphosate in tropical regions for eradication of bracken ferns is another option.…”

Seeded pioneer die-offs reduce the functional trait space of new-growth coastal dune forests

“…late-successional) replace pioneers following a disturbance event (Chazdon, 2011;Dent et al, 2013;Lebrija-Trejos et al, 2010a). However, the reliance on the establishment of pioneers to restore vegetation through succession needs further investigation (Boyes et al, 2011;McNamara et al, 2006;Podadera et al, 2015;Vleut et al, 2013). Contrary to popular belief pioneers may not facilitate forest regeneration, but simply tolerate or even inhibit the colonization of late-successional species (Connell and Slatyer, 1977).…”