Tree mortality in mature temperate forests of central Mexico: a spatial approach

• DOI: 10.1007/s10342-023-01542-3
• Publication Date: 2023-03-04T03:02:37Z
• Authors: Ernesto Alonso Ru...; Maximilian H. K. ...; José Germán Flore...; Miguel Acosta-Mir...
• Keywords: Tree (set theory); Dead tree; Basal area; Point pattern analysis; Temperate rainforest; Temperate forest; Forest dynamics

Abstract Tree mortality is an important process of forest stand dynamics and knowledge it fundamental to implement adequate management strategies. Subject several factors, tree can induce different spatial patterns on the remaining live dead trees. While spatially clustered in young forests often driven by competition, old-growth forests, caused disturbance agents. This study focused a spatiotemporal analysis mature temperate located central Mexico dominated Pinus montezumae Alnus firmifolia . We used locations from permanent plot (300 × 300 m) measured over 20-year period. The results, applying point pattern analysis, showed that all trees was at short medium distances, but no clear deviation complete randomness longer distances. Similar results were found for P. A. Using bivariate mark-connection function (alive trees), competition discernable, only tendency toward competition-introduced around 15 m. Regarding structure, alive retained distribution size heterogeneity distances during measurement Thus, there evidence resulting could be explained agents such as droughts rather than competition. Therefore, this contribute strategies based principles continuous cover forestry provide novel information regarding Mexican montane forests.