The Effect of Restoration Treatment Soils and Parent Tree on Tropical Forest Tree Seedling Growth

Abstract

Restoration treatments can impact the growth and development of tree seedlings; however, it is often difficult to discern whether responses are driven by changes in microclimate, biotic interactions, or soil properties. To isolate for the latter, we quantified the growth response of four species [Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae); Otoba novogranatensis (Myristicaceae); Pseudolmedia mollis (Moraceae); Senna papillosa (Fabaceae)] grown under similar shade-house conditions in soils collected from 6-7 year old active (four species plantation) and passive restoration plots (natural recovery), and nearby reference forest sites in Costa Rica. We also evaluated the role of parent tree by collecting individuals from five mother trees. We measured height, above-and belowground biomass, and determined root: shoot ratios (RSR). Species differed markedly in their responses. Ocotea, and to a lesser extent Pseudolmedia, were largely driven by parent tree. In contrast, Senna showed a strong soil response for all variables with more growth in active than passive restoration soils; reference forest seedlings were typically intermediate. An interaction suggested that some genotypes are more responsive to different soil properties than others. Otoba had higher soil-driven RSR in both restoration treatments. Surprisingly most soil nutrients, including %N, were similar or significantly lower in active restoration soils, suggesting that seedlings are responding to differences in soil microbial communities or more labile nutrients (e.g., NH4+ and NO3−). Active restoration appears to facilitate the growth of other species by improving certain soil properties. Additionally, genotypes are an important driver of seedling vigor and some species may be more responsive to subtle differences in soil properties than others.

Leaf litter stoichiometry affects decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics in tropical forests under restoration in Costa Rica

“…At each site we demarcated a 50 × 50 m plot in a nearby primary forest as a fourth treatment. These forests are fragments of the original premontane forest that was present prior to the broad expansion of agriculture in the area starting in the early 1960s (Zahawi et al ).…”

Advantages of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Production for the Profitability of Agriculture and Biofertilizer Industry

“…Mycorrhizal associations are extensively utilized for reforestation programs, the ectomycorrhizal fungi are employed to produce containerized seedlings and AMF are raised with plantlets to survive transplantation shock [61]. Such seedlings may have better survival after planting in tropical settings or another natural environment with varied climate conditions [62].…”

Influência da composição de espécies florestais no microclima de sub-bosque de plantios jovens de restauração

“…Ações de restauração ecológica impactam diretamente o crescimento e o desenvolvimento de mudas de árvores, todavia, é difícil reconhecer se as repostas são impulsionadas por mudanças em função das propriedades do solo, interações bióticas ou do microclima (ZAHAWI et al, 2015). Por poder criar microssítios específicos sob sua copa, cada espécie ou cada indivíduo presente no dossel das florestas tropicais e subtropicais funciona como um filtro ecológico para a comunidade regenerante, determinando parcialmente a composição, estrutura e riqueza da comunidade de plantas sob sua projeção e, através dessa permeabilidade ou impermeabilidade, afetar parcialmente a biodiversidade atual e futura da comunidade de plantas da floresta (GANDOLFI et al, 2007;ABREU et al, 2014).…”