Aboveground biomass, wood volume, nutrient stocks and leaf litter in novel forests compared to native forests and tree plantations in Puerto Rico

Abstract

The article presents comparative data for aboveground biomass, wood volume, nutirent stocks (N, P, K) and leaf litter in different types of forests in Puerto Rico. The aim of the study is to assess how novel forests of Castilla elastica, Panama Rubber Tree, and Spathodea campanulata, African Tulip Tree, compare with tree plantations and native historical forests (both secondary and mature). It found that novel forests of these two species can accumulate large quantities of biomass and nutrients above ground, that they do so at a rapid rate and that they exhibit high rates of leaf fall. They can match or exceed tree plantations and native forests in all parameters except the accumulation of nitrogen above ground. These results support the notion that novel forests can contribute to the restoration of biomass and nutrient stocks in previously deforested sites. However, across the island as a whole, the values for biomass in many types of novel forest are lower than those observed for Spathodea and Castilla in this study. The age of stands and site conditions appear to be critical to the level of nutrient and biomass accumulation in these forests.

Citation

Lugo, A.E.; Abelleira Martínez, O.; Fonseca da Silva, J. 2012. Aboveground biomass, wood volume, nutrient stocks and leaf litter in novel forests compared to native forests and tree plantations in Puerto Rico. Bois et Forets des Tropiques. 314(4): 7-16.