Biodiversity–Productivity Relationships in Small-Scale Mixed-Species Plantations Using Native Species in Leyte Province, Philippines
background
The growth of tropical reforestation in recent decades has given rise to a debate between the relative productivity, biodiversity, and general merits of mixed-species vs. single-species plantations. To further investigate the relationship between tree species diversity, productivity, and abiotic factors such as climate and soil, this study investigated the growth of mixed-species plantations in Leyte province in the Philippines. These smallholder plantations were planted in 1992 to meet social, economic, and environmental needs through the Rainforestation Farming system.
research goals & methods
Tree measurements, site properties, and biodiversity measures were collected at the Rainforestation sites. Two main hypotheses were tested: the sites would have a linear relationship between biodiversity and productivity; and this relationship would depend on site characteristics.
conclusions & takeaways
The study did not find a linear relationship between biodiversity and productivity, but the results indicated that site management drives the relationship between productivity and biodiversity. The study found density and age to be key drivers of productivity, rather than species mixtures. Lastly, the study found no relationship between site productivity and environmental variables such as slope, ground cover, or topographical position.
Reference:
. Biodiversity–productivity relationships in small-scale mixed-species plantations using native species in Leyte province, Philippines. Forest Ecology and Management. 2012;274:81–90. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2012.02.022.
Affiliation:
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Mined Land Research, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia