COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF TWO SECONDARY DRY FOREST SITES IN THE SOUTHWEST OF NICARAGUA: GUIDELINES FOR THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES

Abstract

The dynamics of a secondary dry forest was studied in two
districts of the municipality of Nandaime, Granada. The aims
of the study were to obtain guidelines for the definition of
management activities. In order to check and determine the
change in a year period, five permanent plots were settled
up in sites ages 11 and 16 years after being abandoned from
agricultural activities. Data collected were related to the
composition and structure of the upper-stem, saplings and
seedlings. Population parameters were calculated starting
from the application of an exponential model of changes in
continuous time. The floristic richness and diversity differed
between communities, being the site of 11 years, who
presented the highest values. Structural differences between
sites were determined by the values of basal area and volume.
The site age 16 contains twice the basal area and 30% more
volume than the younger forest. The number of individuals
per hectare declined in the two sites in relation to the first
measurement. The mortality values were equal (2%) at the
two sites. Recruitment was higher at the site of 16 years. The
gain in basal area contributed to the increase of the whole
mass, only at the site aged 11 years. The local commercial
species have few or no individuals at the level of natural
regeneration. Concerning floristic composition, structure and
dynamic, the sites studied show an acceptable potential for
management activities at medium term.

DOI: 10.5377/calera.v9i12.1