Composition, structure, and management potential of secondary dry tropical vegetation in two abandoned henequen plantations of Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract

Data on the composition and stand dynamics of abandoned henequen ( Agave fourcroydes) fields of different ages are presented and their management potential discussed. The study was carried out in the Hacienda of Kancabchen, Yucatan, Mexico in 12- and 26-year-old secondary forests. Species richness and diversity were greater as the stand grew older. Even though 73% of species have the capacity to regenerate from coppiced shoots, only between 30 and 50% of the individuals actually regenerate from coppiced shoots in both communities, respectively. According to the Sørensen similarity index both stands are similar in composition (73%), while the Motyka index indicates that they differ in biomass distribution (17%). This could be due to soil conditions and the management of these areas, or a combination of both. The 26-year-old abandoned henequen stand still has pioneer species dominating and has very few late successional species present. Slow-growing tree species on the 26-year-old stand were expected, but their absence could be due to the lack of seed sources, a limited dispersal capability, or to an arrested succession due to human perturbation and management. Eight species dominated the stands, accounting for more than 60% of the total importance values. Most species present in both stands are widely used locally and are commercialized inside the rural communities. Potential management strategies could involve forest thinning to remove competition and favor those species used by the communities, those with potential to increase soil fertility, and those that could have semi-commercial purposes. Management could also include enrichment with other species such as Cedrela odorata and Apoplanesia paniculata that are widely used and were previously present as part of the native vegetation of the area.