Abstract
The vegetation structure and dynamics in subtropical forest fragments is influenced by the bamboo density. After the reproductive events followed by the death of the bamboos, is critical to understanding community structure and regeneration processes over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate temporally the influence of height and density of Merostachys multiramea on the richness, density and diversity of tree species after the event of bamboo dieback. The study was conducted in subtropical forest in southern Brazil, characterized by intense fragmentation of habitats, which facilitates the establishment of bamboo species. We observed an increase in bamboo height over time, as well as an increase in the number of individuals between the fourth and sixth years of study. The number of M. multiramea individuals did not influence the density of regenerated individuals, but residuals analysis for estimated species richness showed the influence of bamboo on regeneration process. Six year after the bamboos death we observed a higher similarity in density of individuals between the sampling units. The results of this study demonstrated distinct phytosociological structures during the different years of study, indicating that six years after the bamboos death, the vegetation structure has a higher similarity in the evaluated forest fragments in Southern Brazil, indicating a possible stabilization in the forest structure.
Highlights
The vegetation structure and dynamics in subtropical forest fragments is influenced by the bamboo density
In native forests, the gaps formations in the forest structure that arise from bamboo dieback characterize an environmental disturbance, which has a direct influence on the initial process of regeneration [1, 2]
Temporal variation and the influence of M. multiramea richness and tree density We observed a difference in the density of individuals of tree species after six years of study, differing from second and fourth years (Table 1)
Summary
The vegetation structure and dynamics in subtropical forest fragments is influenced by the bamboo density. The aim of this study was to evaluate temporally the influence of height and density of Merostachys multiramea on the richness, density and diversity of tree species after the event of bamboo dieback. In native forests, the gaps formations in the forest structure that arise from bamboo dieback characterize an environmental disturbance, which has a direct influence on the initial process of regeneration [1, 2]. Bamboo dieback is an important small-scale dynamic process in forest renovation, because it influences the germination rate, mortality and the development of forest species [3], increases tree species richness [4], and is associated with changes in environmental conditions, especially in light and temperature [5]. Studies that have taken a temporal approach to the natural regeneration process following bamboo dieback events are extremely important to understand the processes of dynamic competition and the long-term structure of subtropical forests
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