Long-term monitoring of thinning for silvopastoral purposes in Nothofagus antarctica forests of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

• Published in: Forest Systems
• Main Authors: Guillermo Martínez Pastur, Rosina Soler, María V. Lencinas, Juan M. Cellini, Pablo L. Peri
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) 2018
• Subjects: crown cover; leaf area index; radiation; insect plague; growth; forest structure; Forestry; SD1-669.5; Antarc*; Antarctica; Tierra del Fuego
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2018271-11928; https://doaj.org/article/3a172450101c44a1939df3d1fc068b33

Aim of the study: To analyse the effectiveness of thinning on tree growth, forest structure and microclimatic variables along seven years after cuttings in a secondary Nothofagus antarctica forest in Southern Patagonia. Area of study: Five hectares of homogeneous stand of secondary forests (54º15’46” SL, 66º59’41” WL) in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Material and methods: One control and two thinning levels were established, and forest structure, growth, crown dynamic and microclimate variables in long-term permanent plots were evaluated. Main comparisons were made using multiple ANOVAs. Main results: Intensive thinning in secondary forests allowed to increase tree individual growth rates by doubling the radiation levels at the understory level that enhances the silvopastoral management. These forests showed a desirable resilience to the forest interventions and natural disturbances (e.g. heavy defoliator attack), with a rapid reaction in the canopy cover growth. Research highlights: Monitoring of thinning for silvopastoral management must include easy and cheap measuring variables, e.g. diameter growth as a proxy for timber production objectives and hemispherical photos (crown cover and radiation) as a proxy for pasture production. Long-term monitoring allowed to identify reliable indicators that assist new sustainable management alternatives.