Light- and nutrient-related relationships in mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and a high diversity of native tree species

Abstract

Mixed plantations composed of Eucalyptus intercropped with a high diversity of native tree species are a promising option for combining biodiversity recovery with wood production during forest landscape restoration. The viability of this approach relies not only on its potential to offset implementation costs but also on the capacity of native trees to perform well when intercropped with Eucalyptus. We investigated competition for light and nutrients in these mixed plantations in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. We compared (1) Eucalyptus monocultures, (2) plantations composed of native species for restoration, and (3) mixed plantations intercropping Eucalyptus with native tree species, in which Eucalyptus replaced native pioneers. We found no evidence of competition for nutrients or facilitation. Native species plots intercepted more Photosynthetically Active Radiation than Eucalyptus monocultures or mixtures. Our results add to the previous studies on these experiments and altogether suggest that well-managed mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and a high diversity of native tree species are a viable silvicultural solution for offsetting the costs of forest landscape restoration in the tropics.