PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #49: Restoration of Public Lands.
Presiding: D. Gordon
Wednesday, August 7. 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Mohave Meeting Room, TCC.
Gradient analysis of exotic Pinus radiata stands on Canary Islands - The catalytic effect of exotic plantations.
Arévalo, José Ramón*,1, Fernández-Palacios, José María1, 1 Departmento de Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, spain
ABSTRACT- Afforestation on the island of Tenerife has been carried out mainly with a native species of pine (Pinus canariensis). However the exotic pine Pinus radiata has been introduced in some areas. Several studies have shown that plantations of exotic species facilitate forest succession in their understories on sites where disturbances prevent the recolonization by native forest species. We randomly located 250 plots in stands of P. radiata on the island of Tenerife and recorded species cover at surface level. Abiotic characteristics of the plots were also noted. We evaluated the hypothesis of different species composition under the canopy related with environmental differences, independently of the management. Also, our study was designed to classify the plots depending of their species composition that are present in the understory of stands of the exotic pine and to suggest management activities. Analysis of the species composition, determined four well defined groups: advanced laurel forest group (ALF), undeveloped laurel forest group (ULF), ruderal group (RU) and Pinus canariensis stand group (CPS). For ALF and ULF we proposed thinning restoration management and the planting of new individuals. For RU and CPS, because they are potentially P. canariensis stands, we proposed continuous elimination of P. radiata and enrichment with new individuals of P. canariensis. There is a need to increase the forested surface of the island with native species where substrate conditions are appropriate. Pinus radiata plantations introduce benefits for the conservations of the subterranean waters, soil protection and laurel forest colonization. However, the main economical activity of the island is the tourism that is attracted (in a high proportion) by the Tenerife island environmental nature. Eradication of exotic species will improve the quality of the environment and indirectly will increase the quality tourism attraction.
KEY WORDS: Plantation, Regeneration, Restoration, Pinus radiata