Development of pine species in situ in micro plots with contrasting ecological conditions

Abstract

Forest ecosystems are naturally renewed through succession processes that occur as a result of changes caused by natural factors or by human activities, where the original vegetation has been disturbed. This study shows that ecological conditions at the microclimate level determine the development of pine species from germination to seedling stage. Pinus pseudostrobus thrived in all three conditions analyzed: at the zenith, gully slope and secondary forest, compared to Pinus patula and Pinus lawsonii. Over time, the microclimatic conditions of each site limited the survival and development of the species; thus, Pinus pseudostrobus established a significant difference in height growth, estimated at four months (F=15.004; p < 0.001), as at the end of the study period, in which Pinus patula and Pinus lawsonii did not survive to any treatment.