Land use changes and abiotic aspects as basic conditions for conservation of biodiversity in a tropical montane cloud forest (Guatemala)

Abstract

The tropical montane cloud forests of Guatemala need to be protected for their high number of ecological functions and endemic flora and fauna. For that, a complete land use potential and mosaic landscape evaluation was carried out with special consideration of the resources and . Processes regarding the forest conversion were investigated, as well as studies with respect to the soil resource potential. The main objectives were the analysis of mosaic landscapes changes. Satellite imaging supported analysis of the land use changes, as well as the determination of the potential of use within the context of the degradation processes, soil evaluation and soil hazards. This has contributed to the achievement of the following aims: (1) to characterise the chemical, physical and biological changes of the soil by traditional milpa land use system in the highlands of Guatemala (Sierra Yalijux); (2) spatial evaluation of the forest cover changes in the same area; (3) illustration of the interrelationship between forest conversion, soil degradation and changes of the micro climate and their theoretically effects on biodiversity. The inclusion of the investigated soil quality and soil differentiation within the nutrient turnover in the tropical mountainous cloud forests might be used as a basis for selection of protected areas as well as for recommendations for reforestation. At the investigation site in Guatemala, many changes occur concerning forest conversion, soil quality and micro climate. Soil quality declines with increasing land use intensity. The soil degradation as a result of agricultural use is high. For example, carbon and nitrogen are reduced in the following consecutive habitats: primary forest > milpa 15 years > milpa 25 years > milpa 60 years > secondary scrub > fallow land. An increase of soil temperature is identified after logging, determined by a false-time-series, which leads to effects on the composition of soil organisms.