Stand and Species Growth of a Tropical Forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract

A study of the effect of different levels of basal area removal on stand and tree growth was established in a second growth forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico. In five 0.5 ha plots (subdivided into 10 × 10 m2 plots), data were collected periodically for 15 years and used to estimate stand and diameter growth of 30 tropical forest tree species. Net basal area per hectare growth was almost 0, -0.1% yr-1. For surviving trees only, basal area growth was 1.6% per year. On the 10 × 10 m2 plots basal area growth was strongly correlated to initial basal area when only surviving trees were considered. Maximum average diameter growth rate was 0.31 cmy-1 (Swietenia macrophylla King). Most species grew relatively slowly, probably due to low quality of the site resulting from calcareous soils and low precipitation rates and possibly due to being in a relatively old second growth forest. Mortality by species during the 15 years of the study ranged from 0% to 40%. The results are contrary to information used to develop management plans for the forests of the area and should be used to modify these plans to avoid overcutting.