Leaf
and branch biomass productivity of plant communities have been little studied in
northern Mexico.
Global warming concerns are prompting research dealing with biomass production
and carbon sequestration by plant communities. Biomass components and
productivity are key pieces of information for running several carbon models.
In this research, we developed information on leaf and branch biomass productivity
of sixteen different plant communities encompassing native pine, oak, shrub,
and exotic pine forests. We established sampling plots, measured dasometric
features of trees, and collected leaf and branch biomass for periods of 7 to 21
days during 2004 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Results indicate that leaf and branch
productivity is on the average 3.70 Mg ha-1 y-1 (±0.98 Mg
ha-1 y-1) with only two plant communities (intermittent
riverine Tamaulipan matorral and upland planted Cupressus spp communities)
surpassing 7 Mg ha-1 y-1. The exotic pine species (P. nelsoni, P. pinceana, and P.
cembroides) planted in proceeding trials produced less than 3 Mg ha-1
y-1. The statistical analysis of this information showed large spatial
and temporal variations. The former was explained by microsite and plant
density. The last source of variation was partially dependent on climate
fluctuations and the natural annual productivity cycle. Further research is
required to understand the fate of leaf and branch on soils.
Author: J. Návar1, and O.L. López (josedejesusnavar at yahoo dot com dot mx)
Filesize: 93.44 Kb