Litterfall and leaf decomposition in Nothofagus pumilio forests along an altitudinal gradient in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

To achieve a fuller understanding of forest ecosystem functioning, it is necessary to know decomposition dynamics. The objective of this study was to quantify litter production, decomposition and mineralization in Nothofagus pumilio forests, in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, along an altitudinal gradient during a two-year period and relate them to microclimate conditions and soil properties. We did the research along an altitudinal sequence at 210, 330, 460 and 590 m a.s.l., where climate, soil properties and forest structure were characterized. Litterfall decreased with altitude, and it was highly related with leaf and reproductive organ production. Decomposition decreased with altitude, being associated with microclimate and soil properties rather than with other measured variables, such as leaf chemistry. Values of decomposition constant (k) were influenced by altitude and varied between seasons and years within a given altitude. Nitrogen content increased with altitude in the two-year period, while P content decreased. Decomposition rates allowed us to separate the forest stands according to altitudinal gradients, and their intrinsic abiotic characteristics, which could increase the understanding of the nutrient flux and dynamics in these austral forest ecosystems.Fil: Moretto, Alicia Susana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Equações de afilamento e volume para tamanhos comerciais de nothofagus obliqua e N. alpina

Timber volume of standing trees is essential information for managementdecisions. The increasing need to optimize the potential capacity of forests maintaining their conservation, requires the quantification of the different potential possible timber products. The aim was to adjust taper equations to determine volumes of different timber products for commercial stems of Nothofagus alpina and N. obliqua. Trees of both species were randomly selected in harvesting areas of Lanin National Park (Argentina).Trees were felled and cut into commercial logs, measuring diameter with bark at different heights up to the beginning of the crown, and for each tree the diameter at breast height and total height. Five taper equations were selected and non-linear regression processes were employed for the fittings. We obtained the volume through the integration of the stem profile equation and the rotation in the space thereof through solid of revolution.The Bennet and Swindel (1972) model was selected for both Nothofagus species,obtaining similar equation parameters and differences were observed at the top of the stems of larger trees. For this the use of an integrated model is not recommended. With the obtained equations it is possible to: (i) estimate volume at different heights and for different commercial diameters, and (ii) predict the height at which both species reach to a certain diameter. The model presented some statistical limitations (e.g. multicollinearity), however, the fitting of the equation and the easy understanding of the outputs support itas a useful tool in a broad range of forest applications.O volume de madeira das árvores em pé é uma informação essencial para as decisões de gestão. A crescente necessidade de otimizar a capacidade potencial das florestas mantendo sua conservação, requer a quantificação dos diferentes possíveis produtos de madeira possíveis. O objetivo era ajustar equações de afilamento para determinar volumes de diferentes produtos de madeira para hastes comerciais de Nothofagus alpina e N. obliqua. As árvores de ambas as espécies foram selecionadas ao acaso nas áreas de colheita do Parque Nacional Lanin (Argentina). As árvores foram derrubadas e cortadas em troncos comerciais, medindo o diâmetro com a casca em diferentes alturas até o início da coroa, e para cada árvore o diâmetro na altura do peito e altura total. Foram selecionadas cinco equações cônicas e foram empregados processos de regressão não-linear para ajustar. Obtivemos o volume através da integração da equação do perfil do caule e da rotação no seu espaço através do sólido da revolução. O modelo de Bennet e Swindel (1972) foi selecionado para as duas espécies de Nothofagus, obtendo parâmetros de equação semelhantes e observando-se diferenças no topo das hastes de árvores maiores. Portanto, o uso de um modelo integrado não é recomendado. Com as equações obtidas é possível: (i) estimar o volume em diferentes alturas e para diferentes diâmetros comerciais, e (ii) prever a altura em que ambas as espécies atingem um determinado diâmetro. O modelo apresentou algumas limitações estatísticas (por exemplo, multicolinearidade), no entanto, o ajuste da equação e a compreensão fácil das saídas o suportam como uma ferramenta útil em uma ampla gama de aplicações florestais.Fil: Attis Beltran, Hernan. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Chauchard, Luis. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; ArgentinaFil: Iaconis, Ariana. University of Sydney; AustraliaFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Evaluación de los efectos de la urbanización en los arroyos de Tierra del Fuego

We set out to understand how urbanization affects streams in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. Paired ttestsand linear regressions were used to compare physico-chemical stream habitat variables (i.e., temperature,turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH) and benthic macroinvertebrate community structure (i.e.,density, taxonomic richness, Shannon-Weiner diversity) and function (functional feeding groups [FFG]) in fourwatersheds with urban and reference sites. We then calculated indices of biotic integrity for habitat (rapid visualassessment protocol [RVAP]) and benthos (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera richness [EPT], family bioticindex [FBI], rapid bioassessment protocol [RBP] and biotic monitoring Patagonian streams [BMPS]). Resultsindicated that urbanization negatively impacted these streams? underlying ecological condition, decreasingbenthic biodiversity and dissolved oxygen, while increasing conductivity and turbidity. FFG assemblagewas similar between both sites, but urbanization increased the existing dominance of collector-gatherers.Additionally, urban sites presented lower values in three of the benthic macroinvertebrate indices (EPT, RBP,BMPS, but not FBI) and also for habitat (RVAP). These data fill an existing gap in stream ecology for southernPatagonia and are useful to create monitoring tools. By incorporating urbanization as a driver of ecosystemchange, managers and planners will be better able to confront the issue of sustainable development in thisregion, which is considered one of the most pristine wilderness areas remaining on the planet but whosehuman population is concentrated in a few densely populated urban areas.Fil: Zagarola, Jean Paul A.. Bonneville Environmental Foundation; Estados UnidosFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, María Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Anderson, Christopher Brian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

Dinámica natural y respuesta al raleo de árboles juveniles de lenga (Nothofagus pumilio) en bosques secundarios en Patagonia Sur

For saw-log production, planned thinning in secondary forests may reduce the time to yield products of a desired size and quality. To explore some options, long-term monitoring plots were established in 1996 in two secondary stands of Nothofagus pumilio (19,300 stems ha-1, age 34 years and 18,300 stems ha-1, age 40 years) in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. The study quantified growth responses to different thinning intensities around crop trees in the understory stratum of a two-aged stand, and growth dynamics in a natural unthinned stand regenerated by strip clearcutting. For the analysis of natural dynamics, growth, mortality and shift of crown classes of all trees were measured annually during 10 years. For thinning, 1,111 crop trees per hectare were selected. Thinning consisted of four intensities: elimination of one (T1), two (T2) and all (Tt) effective competitors, and a control (Tc). Each treatment was replicated ten times in a split plot design, where the main plots in this two-aged stand were three different levels of canopy covered by the remaining overstory seed trees (0, 12 and 33 %). The stand dynamics among unthinned plots revealed that competition-induced mortality occurred at a mean rate of 680 trees ha-1 year-1 (3.5 % of all trees) and mean growth rate of 7.2 m3 ha-1 year-1. Ten-year results from the thinned plots indicated a significant difference in the growth response of crop trees among treatments; being higher for Tt and T2, and under 12 % canopy cover. Thinning also reduced windthrow because it removed only the effective competitors and maintained a high stocking among crop trees. That offered mutual protection within the understory stratum.Para producir trozas aserrables, los raleos planificados en bosques secundarios podrían reducir el tiempo requerido para obtener productos de tamaño y calidad deseados para la industria. En este sentido, en 1996 fueron establecidas parcelas permanentes en dos rodales coetáneos de Nothofagus pumilio (19.300 árboles ha-1, edad 34 años y 18.300 árboles ha-1, edad 40 años) en la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina. El objetivo del presente estudio fue cuantificar el crecimiento en respuesta a diferentes raleos en el estrato juvenil inferior de rodales de dos clases de edad, y compararlos con el crecimiento de rodales bajo dinámica natural regenerados a partir de tala rasa en fajas. Para el análisis de la dinámica natural, anualmente se midió crecimiento, mortalidad y tasa de pasaje de clases de copa de todos los árboles durante 10 años. En las parcelas de raleo fueron seleccionados 1.111 árboles futuros por hectárea. Fueron consideradas cuatro intensidades de raleo: eliminación de un (T1), dos (T2) y todos (Tt) los competidores efectivos de los árboles seleccionados, y un control. Cada tratamiento fue replicado diez veces en diseño de parcelas divididas (parcelas principales: tres niveles de cobertura del dosel superior de árboles semilleros; 0, 12 y 33 %). Con dinámica natural, la mortalidad por competencia ocurrió a una tasa media de 680 árboles ha-1 año-1 (3,5 % del total de árboles) con crecimiento medio de 7,2 m3 ha-1 año-1. Los resultados luego de diez años, con raleo, indicaron diferencias significativas en el crecimiento entre tratamientos: mayor en Tt y T2 bajo 12 % de cobertura de copas. Los raleos de baja intensidad redujeron caída de árboles por viento, porque solo eliminaron competidores efectivos, lo cual mantuvo alta densidad del rodal que protegió a los árboles seleccionados.Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral. Unidad Académica Río Gallegos; Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria; Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina;Fil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina;Fil: Monelos, Lucas. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina

Variable retention harvesting: Conceptual analysis according to different environmental ethics and forest valuation

Background: Conceptual clarity is important to attain precise communication of scientific knowledge and to implement appropriate technological and policy actions. Many concepts referring to forest management are widely used by decision-makers, regardless of their complexity. Although the scientific and methodological issues of forestry practices are frequently discussed in the literature, their normative dimensions are rarely treated. Thus, linguistic uncertainty increases when different environmentally ethical perspectives and ways of valuing forests are considered. The objective was to compare different conceptualizations on the silvicultural systems suggested for forest management and the implications they have for conservation. We have conceptually contrasted high-intensity forestry practices with variable retention harvesting, considering different environmentally ethical perspectives and forest valuation alternatives. Results: Clear boundaries between clear-cutting, selective logging, and variable retention harvesting can be evidenced when different ethical points of view and alternatives in the human-nature relationships are considered. We have found a variety of definitions of variable retention harvesting that can be analyzed under different ethical positions. Sharply contrasting views on variable retention harvesting can be evidenced if nature is considered to be purely at human’s service or if it is conceptualized as humans co-inhabiting with nature. The latter position implies that the maintenance of ecological, evolutionary, and historical processes supported by unmanaged forest stands is a crucial step for forest management proposals based on variable retention harvesting. Conclusions: Forestry practices that are focused on forest yields and that misinterpret functional uncertainty of forest functioning would be risky. Moreover, forestry with variable retention harvesting could imply good yields with reasonable conservation management in some contexts, while it could be unacceptable in other socio-ecological contexts. The improvement of conceptual clarity on the different meanings of variable retention harvesting and the development of indicators for forest management based on the variations of this concept can reduce controversies.Fil: Galetto, Leonardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Romina Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

índice de sítio diamétrico: um método alternativo para estimar a qualidade do sítio em florestas de Nothofagus obliqua E N. alpina

The first step for constructing models of tree growth and yield is site quality assessment. To estimate this attribute, several methodologies are available in which site index (SI) is a standard one. However, this approach, that uses height at a reference age of trees, can be simplified if age is replaced by another reference variable easier to measure. In this case, the diametric site index (DSI) represents the mean height of dominant trees at a reference mean diameter at breast height. The aim of this work was to develop DSI in pure and mixed Nothofagus alpina and N. obliqua forests, and compare these models with the classical proposals based on height-age variables, within the temperate forest of northwestern Patagonia from Argentina, South America. Data originated from temporary plots and stem analyses were used. Tree age and diameter at breast height were obtained from each plot and used for establishing DSI family functions, following the guide-curve methodology. Site classes were proportionally represented among DSI curves of 17.0, 21.5, 26.0, 30.5 and 35.0 m of dominant tree height. Reference diameter instead of reference age can be cautiously used in order to fit site index models.Primeiro passo para a construção de modelos de crescimento e produção de árvores e a avaliação da qualidade do sítio. Para estimar este atributo, várias metodologias estão disponíveis, na qual o índice de sítio (IS) é padrão. No entanto, esta abordagem, que utiliza uma altura na idade de referência, pode ser simplificada se a idade é substituída por outra variável de referência mais fácil de medir. Neste caso, o índice de índice de sítio diamétrico (ISD) representa a altura média das árvores dominantes de um diâmetro à altura do peito referência. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver ISD para florestas puras e mistas de Nothofagus alpina e N. obliqua, e comparar esses modelos com as propostas clássicas baseadas nas variáveis altura-idade, para a floresta temperada do noroeste da Patagônia da Argentina, América do Sul. Dados provenientes de parcelas temporárias e análises de tronco foram utilizados. Foram obtidos idade e diâmetro à altura do peito de cada parcela e utilizados para o estabelecimento das funções da família DSI, seguindo a metodologia da curva-guia. Classes de sítio foram proporcionalmente representados entre curvas DSI de 17,0; 21,5; 26,0; 30,5 e 35,0 m de altura da árvore dominante. O diâmetro de referência em vez da idade de referência pode ser usado com cautela para ajustar modelos de índice de sítio.Fil: Attis Beltran, Hernan. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Asentamiento Universidad San Martin de Los Andes; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; ArgentinaFil: Chauchards, Luis Mario. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; ArgentinaFil: Velásquez, Abel. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; ArgentinaFil: Sbrancia, Renato. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue; Argentin

Photosynthetic response to different light intensities and water status of two main Nothofagus species of southern Patagonian forest, Argentina

Net photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) of seedlings of Nothofagus. pumilio and N. antarctica leaves were measured at different light intensity (20, 150, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500 and 2200 µmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD) and after 60 minutes of severe shade to determine the lag in the rise of photosynthesis rate from low to high irradiance levels (induction state). Also, A and gs were measured to evaluate the responses to water stress and the tolerance to waterlogging in the two species. N. pumilio had higher A values than N. antarctica for all light intensities measured with a maximum value of 16.8 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 saturated at 1000 µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD. Values of gs for both Nothofagus species also declined as light intensity decreased at a rate of 0.0002 mol H2O m-2 s-1/µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD. The times required for full induction of A were 18 and 27 minutes after the increase of PPFD (full sun) for N. pumilio and N. antarctica, respectively. There was a negative relationship between A and water stress expressed as pre-dawn leaf water potential (ψlp) where the reduction in gs was the main factor that reduced A in both species. A reached a negative value from -17.0 bar for N. pumilio and from -27.0 bar for N. antarctica. Tolerance to waterlogging was related with changes in A and gs being N. antarctica was more tolerant. After 10 days of waterlogging the average decrease in A was 83% for N. pumilio and 65% for N. antarctica. These defined photosynthetic results of Nothofagus leaves to fluctuating light regimes, water stress and waterlogging could be used to estimate the responses of regeneration to environmental conditions under the dynamic of natural stands, after silviculture practices, and degraded sites for restoration plans.Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Lencinas, María Vanessa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin

The eastern continental distribution of nothofagus antarctica along Gallegos River (Santa Cruz)

El ñire o ñirre, Nothofagus antarctica (G. Forster) Oersted, es un árbol nativo que se caracteriza por su gran plasticidad fenotípica, adaptándose a una gran variedad de condiciones ambientales, ocupando desde sitios con exceso de humedad (turberas y mallines) hasta sitios muy secos (límite con la estepa) (Veblen et al. 1996; Rodríguez et al. 2005; Zuloaga et al. 2008). Es considerada la especie de Nothofagus de Sudamérica con mayor variación morfológica (Ramírez et al. 1985) y de mayor tolerancia ecológica (Donoso et al. 2006). Esto determina una amplia distribución latitudinal (36° 50? - 56° 00? S) desde el norte de Neuquén hasta el Cabo de Hornos. Altitudinalmente se distribuye desde el nivel del mar hasta los 2.000 m s.n.m. Sin embargo, en el sector continental argentino esta especie ocupa una estrecha franja cerca de la cordillera de los Andes, limitada por las precipitaciones (Veblen et al. 1996) y una baja capacidad de dispersión (por gravedad o viento) (Donoso et al. 2006) y corta viabilidad de sus semillas (Bahamonde et al. 2011) ocupando en la provincia de Santa Cruz una superficie de 159.720 ha (Peri & Ormaechea 2013). En este contexto, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar otras formas de dispersión del ñire a largas distancias.Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Patagonia Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Chubut; Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina;Fil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentina;Fil: Monelos, Lucas. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina;Fil: Beroiz, Mario. Consejo Agrario Provincial - Chubut; Argentina

Growth patterns of <i>Nothofagus pumilio</i> trees along altitudinal gradients in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

The influence of ecological factors resulting from altitude on growth characteristics of Nothofagus pumilio was analyzed. N. pumilio forests grow in the southern Andes from near sea level to 600 m.a.s.l. Eight study sites were selected in the southwestern area of Tierra del Fuego, on north- and south-facing slopes, and distributed along an altitudinal gradient (200–600 m.a.s.l.). Growth cycles throughout time were identified. The correlation between climate and tree growth was determined. Tree diameter and height decreased whereas stand density increased towards tree-line. South-facing slopes showed higher values in common growth variability, probably because of stronger climatic controlling factors. Climate-growth correlation models revealed long-term temperature influences on growth variability, and showed variations among the different plots. Differences were detected in the spectral power component of the chronologies throughout the altitudinal profile. The series had a significant spectral peak at frequencies around 7 years, possibly related to mast seeding cycles. This signal became weaker as the altitude increased probably due to lower seed production. These results suggest a strong altitudinal component in growth variability of N. pumilio in Tierra del Fuego.Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y ForestalesFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoLaboratorio de Investigación de Sistemas Ecológicos y Ambientale

Agroforestry landscapes and global change: landscape ecology tools for management and conservation

Forest ecosystems are impacted by multiple uses under the influence of global drivers, and where landscape ecology tools may substantially facilitate the management and conservation of the agroforestry ecosystems. The use of landscape ecology tools was described in the eight papers of the present special issue, including changes in forested landscapes due to agricultural and forestry activities, landscape changes due to recent intensification of agriculture, and the impacts of agroforestry as compared to natural forest ecosystems. Landscape ecology can improve the economic, environmental and social values of agroforestry, and this knowledge should help to develop new management alternatives for agroforestry. We believe that these papers will inform management at the landscape level, especially in agroforestry landscapes, offering new tools for management and conservation.EEA Santa CruzFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas. Laboratorio de Recursos Agroforestales; ArgentinaFil: Andrieu, Emilie. Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique; FranciaFil: Iverson, Louis R. USDA Forest Service. Northern Research Station; Estados UnidosFil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Santa Cruz; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin