Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Lionel  and  CASTELLANOS, Hernán. Crecimiento diamétrico arbóreo en bosques de Sierra de Lema, Guayana venezolana: primeras evaluaciones. INCI [online]. 2006, vol.31, n.11, pp.787-793. ISSN 0378-1844.

In order to describe and analyze the tree diameter growth in forests along an altitudinal gradient (290-1395masl) in the region of La Escalera, successive tree surveys were undertaken in 22 plots of 0.1ha located at 6 sites during variable monitoring periods from 1 to 5 years. This gradient is located in La Escalera, in the Sierra de Lema, Southeastern Venezuela, and comprises 3 bioclimates: wet tropical, wet lower premontane and moist upper premontane. Two stem distribution patterns of growth classes were identified: one with center at the class from -0.2 to 0.3cm and another with center at the class from 0.3 to 0.6cm. The average values of the current annual increment in diameter (CAI_DBH) in the gradient ranged between 0.39 and 0.21cm. No significant differences were found among bioclimates, among sites, and between monitoring periods. Only the CAI_DBH among crown illumination classes and diameter classes showed significant differences (P<0.0001). The largest CAI_DBH rates (>0.5cm) in the gradient corresponded to emergent trees, usually with diameter >30cm. The crown illumination is a useful indicator to explain differences of tree growth. The limitations and future trends of this study are discussed.

Keywords : Bosques Tropicales ; Crecimiento Diamétrico ; Guayana Venezolana ; Sierra de Lema .