Abstract

ALONSO-TORRENS, Yatsunaris et al. Structure and composition of the pine forest vegetation in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestal Enterprise, Cuba. Madera bosques [online]. 2016, vol.22, n.3, pp.75-86. ISSN 2448-7597.  https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2016.2231458.

This study was conducted in Alturas de Pizarra in the Minas Agroforestry Enterprise, in Cuba, in order to determine its composition and structure of the pine forest vegetation for future management. Two areas were selected: one corresponding to Pinus caribaea and the other to Pinus tropicalis. In each area, 30 circular plots of 15 m radius were established. Three strata were considered in the vegetation in order to quantify the species present and conduct the corresponding analyses. Alpha and beta diversity values were determined, the horizontal structure was evaluated by calculating the index of ecological importance and distribution by diametric classes. The vertical structure was described through the richness of species in each stratum as well as its sociological position. The two pine forests contained 36 families, 47 genera and 61 species of plants, with 42 species in Pinus caribaea area and 36 in the Pinus tropicalis area. Differences were observed in the composition of the accompanying vegetation in their strata. Pinus caribaea attained an importance value of 205.96 and Pinus tropicalis attained 175.59, relative abundance and relative frequency were the parameters that most influenced the index of ecological importance. Plots, according to the composition of species, were divided into groups of four, differing in altitude, tree height, basal area and number of dead trees found in each. By specifying some of the parameters of this vegetation type in Cuba, the results obtained in this study constitute a reference for the management of these pine groves.

Keywords : alpha and beta diversity; stratum; pine; richness; silviculture.