Woody Plant Diversity and Structure of Shade-Grown-Coffee Plantations in Northern Chiapas, Mexico
background
This article presents research on coffee stand structure and diversity, with data collected from 61 coffee plots in Chiapas, Mexico.
Research Goals & Methods
The following variables were measured: coffee density, slope, plot aspect, the number of individuals of each shade species (divided into 9 diametric classes), number of strata, species use, and presence of woody plant species.
Conclusions & Takeaways
Five distinct strata were found: 1 herbaceous stratum, 2 shrubby strata, and 2 tree strata. In total, 77 tree species were identified across the plots and 90% were native species; the native species were representative of 40% of the local flora. The average tree density was 371.4 trees per hectare and the average species richness was 3.2 species per 100m2. The diametric distribution was similar to secondary forest, with over 40% of all trees found within the smallest diametric class. The most common species were: Inga pavoniana, Inga punctata,Heliocarpus appendiculatus, Neurolaena lobata, Belotia mexicana, Inga sapindioides, and Croton draco. The authors emphasize the important role that shade-grown coffee may play for biodiversity conservation.
Reference:
Soto-Pinto, L., Romero-Alvarado, Y., Caballero-Nieto, J. & Segura-Warnholtz, G. 2001. "Woody plant diversity and structure of shade-grown-coffee plantations in Northern Chiapas, Mexico". Revista de Biologia Tropical, vol. 49, no. 3-4, pp. 977-987.
Affiliation:
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), San Cristóbal Chiapas, México,.
- Jardín Botánico, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, México
- Secretaría del Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales y Pesca