Testing a theoretical framework on the linear segment of the biomass-density trajectory of forests with data from a mangrove forest
Journal Title: Revista del Jardín Botánico Nacional - Year 2012, Vol 32, Issue 33
Abstract
The linearity and slope of biomass-density trajectories of forests became a classical topic of discussion in the ecological literature since the 1930s. In 2003, a theoretical framework partially based on empirical evidence from mangrove forests articulated disparate available knowledge. The present article is the first empirical test of the framework for which data from Cuban mangroves were used. Nine plots were surveyed in 2005 in a predominantly Avicennia germinans monospecific forest on the south coast of La Habana province. For one of the plots data from 1980s were available and quoted. Instead of calculating mean biomass per individual, the present article addressed basal area per individual in order to allow a more direct use of the surveyed data (DBH) and avoid introducing further uncertainties in the discussion. The two empirical linear trends detected in the trajectory of individual mean basal area vs density of individuals (self-thinning) were explained by the theoretical framework. The qualitative validity of the framework stands. The observation of two linear self-thinning trends can be empirical evidence that the slope is specific to site conditions and can also change if site conditions change. Potential for further theoretical and modeling work can exist in revisiting available data in historical records of Cuban research organizations.
Authors and Affiliations
René Tomás Capote-Fuentes, Manfred Denich, Uta Berger, Paul L. G. Vlek
Keywords
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