Regeneration dynamics of Pinus culminicola Andresen & Beaman var. culminicola along an altitudinal gradient of Cerro El Potosí
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v17i95.1606Keywords:
temperate forest, physical and chemical characteristics, correlation, mensuration parameters, seedings, soilAbstract
The Pinus culminicola populations of Cerro El Potosí, Nuevo León state, Mexico, have been drastically reduced by fires, deforestation, and fragmentation, leaving only 30 ha isolated and with a low population density. This study evaluates how soil properties affect the regeneration of P. culminicola in Cerro El Potosí. The study was conducted in the temperate forest, at three altitudes (3 300, 3 500, and 3 700 masl). The natural regeneration of P. culminicola and the physical-chemical properties of the soil were evaluated. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey, nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney), and Pearson correlations. The results showed that adult individuals had larger diameters and crown areas at 3 700 masl, while seedlings predominated at 3 300 masl. The density of adult trees decreased with altitude, in contrast to that of seedlings. The pH was higher at 3 500 masl, electrical conductivity at 3 700 masl, and both carbon and organic matter increased gradually. In addition, regeneration showed positive correlations with organic matter, carbon, and textural fractions. It was concluded that only pH varied with altitude. Seedling growth decreased with increasing altitude, while adult growth increased. Regeneration was positively associated with organic carbon, a key factor for its success.
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