Abstract
Background
Secondary montane forests, covering 30% of forested lands in the Andes, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of carbon release. However, the mechanisms responsible for carbon sequestration in the above-ground biomass of these forests are not well quantified.
Aims
Understanding the determinants of above-ground carbon (AGC) dynamics in secondary forests along a 3000-m elevational gradient in the Andes to assess their mitigation potential.
Methods
We assessed how abiotic and biotic conditions and past human disturbances were related to forest structure and composition, AGC stocks and productivity within sixteen 0.36-ha plots established in secondary forest stands of 30–35 years of age.
Results
Structural equation models revealed that changes in temperature conditions along the elevation gradient shaped leaf functional composition, which in turn controlled AGC dynamics. Productivity and temperature decreased with increasing elevation and decreased tree community leaf area. Disturbance legacy (Tree mortality) increased with competitive thinning and low soil fertility.
Conclusions
We show that temperature drives AGC dynamics by changing the functional trait composition. This highlights the importance of preserving these forests along elevation gradients and implies potentially strong future changes due to global warming.
Secondary montane forests, covering 30% of forested lands in the Andes, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of carbon release. However, the mechanisms responsible for carbon sequestration in the above-ground biomass of these forests are not well quantified.
Aims
Understanding the determinants of above-ground carbon (AGC) dynamics in secondary forests along a 3000-m elevational gradient in the Andes to assess their mitigation potential.
Methods
We assessed how abiotic and biotic conditions and past human disturbances were related to forest structure and composition, AGC stocks and productivity within sixteen 0.36-ha plots established in secondary forest stands of 30–35 years of age.
Results
Structural equation models revealed that changes in temperature conditions along the elevation gradient shaped leaf functional composition, which in turn controlled AGC dynamics. Productivity and temperature decreased with increasing elevation and decreased tree community leaf area. Disturbance legacy (Tree mortality) increased with competitive thinning and low soil fertility.
Conclusions
We show that temperature drives AGC dynamics by changing the functional trait composition. This highlights the importance of preserving these forests along elevation gradients and implies potentially strong future changes due to global warming.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 127-146 |
| Journal | Plant Ecology & Diversity |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| Early online date | 1 Nov 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
