SECONDARY FORESTS GROWING ON ABANDONED AGRICULTURAL FIELD IN THE PACIFIC REGION OF NICARAGUA. PROCEDURE FOR RESTORATION OF DEGRADED FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

This study determined the species composition, diversity and population structure of three secondary forests recovered on abandoned agricultural fields after 4, 9 and 14 years agricultural land in the community La Chipopa-Rio Medina, Nandaime. All stems ≥ 0.30 m height were identified and measured in 70 plots of 100 m2 in each of the secondary forests under study. A total of 12, 29 and 22 families and subfamilies represented by 17, 48 and 44 species were recorded in the three secondary forests of 4, 9 and 14 years, respectively. There was a change in dominant species across of the different ages of the forest. Lonchocarpus acuminatus had the highest important value index in the forest of 4-year , Myrospermun frutescens and Guazuma ulmifolia had the highest importance value index in the 9 years forest, and Caesaeria corymbosa Muntingia calabura in the forest of 14 years. The density and basal area increased with increasing forest age from 4 to 14 years. The diversity of species was greater in forest of 9 years followed by 14 and 4 years. We conclude that the recovery of woody vegetation on abandoned agricultural fields is taking place satisfactory and is a suitable procedure for forest restoration, however, protection and conservation measures must be implemented to avoid natural or anthropogenic disturbance that could reverse the process of succession. It is recommended to implement silvicultural measures such as enrichment planting to accelerate the recovery process and restoration of the areas under study.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i16.748

La Calera Vol. 11, No 16 p. 12-23/junio 2011