Diversity, structure and floristic composition of temperate forests of southern Nuevo León state

Abstract

This paper describes and compares the diversity, structure and composition of the vegetation in four sites of temperate forests at the south of the state of Nuevo León, by means of ecological indicators and mensuration variables. Four sites of 2 500 m² were measured, where height (h), diameter (d1.30 ≥7.5 cm) and crown cover (d_copa) were recorded. Beta diversity was evaluated by using a Bray-Curtis similarity model. The diversity (Shannon-Weaver [H'] and Simpson [D]) and richness (Margalef [D_Mg] and Menhinick [D_Mn]) indexes were estimated, as well as the horizontal structure (Importance Value Index [IVI]) and the vertical structure (Pretzsch Index A). The Weibull function was used to create a histogram of diameter distributions. Ten species, distributed in four families were identified, from which Fagaceae family had the greatest richness. S4 compiles greater diversity with seven species. In S1, Pinus teocote recorded the highest value of importance, IVI=50.64; followed by Quercus mexicana in S2 IVI=48.61 and S3 IVI=35.78. In relation to the indexes, S4 presented the highest values in H'=1.686, D=0.796, D_Mg=1.207, unlike D_Mn=0.586 which was presented in S3. S4 registered an A=1.69, with an A_max=3.04. The similarity relations indicated that S2 and S3 presented the highest similarity of 48.03 %. The results obtained in this work would serve to have a reference of the changes experienced by the forests in these sampled areas and through time to apply the most convenient forest management.