Structure and dynamics in North Belloto forests (Beilschmiedia miersii) in Cordillera El Melón, Valparaíso Region, Chile

Abstract

Beilschmiedia miersii is an endemic tree species of central Chile; a Natural Monument vulnerable to extinction. In Cordillera El Melón there are the most abundant stands of the species, but the places where it prospers and forms forests are being intensely affected by diverse anthropogenic activity. Until the present, works have been centered on individual counting and geographical distribution of B. miersii, without considering the permanence of these forests in time. The following study is to determine the structure and dynamics of Belloto forests from Cordillera El Melón. Three gullies were chosen: Madera, Pedernal and Infiernillo. To obtain the forest's appearance, a vertical profile was made in each gully. The forest is made up of a superior stratum of around 20 meters high, another in average or shrubby one that gets up to 10 meters high and an inferior or herbaceous one no more than 1 meter high. To get the quantity structure of these forests, stand tables were made up in each gully. The most important species were: Beilschmiedia miersii and Cryptocarya alba. The dynamics of regeneration was obtained from the diameter structure graphics, information that was completed by parcel regeneration, that were raised in each stand. In Belloto forests exists a scant regeneration of B. miersii. Cryptocarya alba is the species that has the major capacity of self replacement, which indicates that it could be the dominating species in these forests in the future only if the present conditions of human intervention attain the drying of the gullies.