Early Woody Invasion Under Tree Plantations in Costa Rica: Implications for Forest Restoration

Background

This study evaluates the regeneration of woody plants, the amount of herbaceous cover, and the light conditions in the understory of 3-year-old mixed and single-species plantations in Costa Rica.

Research Goals & Methods

Single species plots included the native species Jacaranda copaia and Vochysia guatemalensis.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The highest density of tree seedlings was found in the understory of Vochysia plantations and the highest density of shrubs and herbaceous plants was found in the understory of Jacaranda, followed by the mixed plantations. The mixed plantation had the highest variation in light and structural complexity; however, there was no significant difference in understory diversity in the mixed species treatment compared to the others. The authors suggest that plantations can indeed encourage understory regeneration and that more information is needed to understand how different tree species influence understory colonization.