Kawí Tamiruyé: a permanent research forest plot in the Sierra Tarahumara

Abstract

This study characterizes the dasometric and structural parameters of a permanent research plot in northern Mexico. From a total census, 2165 trees (n) were recorded in an area of 1.4 ha-1 and, through the application of various sampling schemes, dasometric variables, and diversity indices were estimated for comparison with the census of a reference plot. We calculated the following dasometric measurements, Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD)= 12.16 cm, Crown Area (CA)= 61.6%, Reineke's Stand Density Index (SDI)= 668 individuals, Basal Area (BA)= 25.16 m2, Total Volume (Vol)= 158.83 m3 ha-1, aboveground biomass (AGB= 142.78 Mg ha-1) and Carbon (C= 71.39 Mg ha-1). Ecologically, the species with the highest importance value index (IVI) were P. engelmannii and J. deppeana (50.8% and 35%, respectively). The Simpson's dominance index (δ)= 0.39 and diversity (λ)= 0.61 were low, as was the Shannon-Weaver index of diversity (H'= 1.3), which is in agreement with the Margalef index (DMg= 1.04). The value of Pielou's evenness (J'= 0.53) confirmed low abundance. Equidistant systematic sampling at 40 m was closer to the reference census, presenting lower values in the mean and variance estimators compared to the other sampling methods. The results can be included in management portfolios to improve decision-making. Although further studies on site size, inclusion of additive indices, and operational costs are required.