Adaptabilidad y crecimiento de especies nativas en areas en recuperacion del noroeste de la provincia de Misiones (Adaptability and growth of native species in recovery areas in the northwest of the province of Misiones)

Background

This study takes place in the Argentinean province of Misiones, where there was a high level of land degradation and strong need for reforestation to restore productivity to the landscape.

Research Goals & Methods

The authors attempt to identify native species that could be used to recover degraded forestry ecosystems. Additionally, they were interested in tree species that may have commercial value, either in a plantation system or in an agroforestry or silvopasture setting. The trees were planted under varying conditions: single species, mixed species, and combinations with Ilex paraguariensis (Yerba mate). Beginning in 1989, height and diameter growth curve data was collected at two sites in Misiones with different levels of degradation.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors found that there was better survival in mixed plantations except for Lonchocarpus dubium and Peltophorum muehlbergianus which only had a 56% survival rate. Enterolobium contortisiliquum was noted for having the best growth in the most degraded site, suggesting its use for soil remediation. Overall, the study concluded that productive diversification of species could help areas recover their forest ecosystems and protect biodiversity. The study also provides tree growth models to assist managers in planting decisions.