Southern Brazilian Highlands Research Articles

Intensification of Pasture-Based Animal Production System Has Little Short-Term Effect on Soil Carbon Stock in the Southern Brazilian Highland

Pastures are of central importance in food production and provide multiple ecosystem services. The objective of this paper was to determine whether the intensification of pasture-based animal production systems, through practices such as fertilization and improved pasture species, has a higher capacity in the short-term (five years) to sequester carbon in the soil compared to (1) natural grassland without anthropogenic interactions, (2) natural grassland fertilized and overseeded with exotic species, and (3) annual pastures with frequent soil disturbance. The study assessed the organic carbon stock (OCS), total organic carbon (TOC), particle size, porosity, and density at different soil strata, as well as the root system and forage production. Forage dry matter (DM) production varied significantly with means ranging from 6615 to 13,000 kg ha–1 year–1 for natural grassland (NG) and permanent pasture (PP), respectively. Improved natural grassland (ING) and NG presented a higher density and root diameter than PP and annual pasture (AP). Forage systems significantly influenced soil porosity and density, with NG and ING showing lower soil densities and higher soil porosities. The OCS (0–100 cm) was similar between NG (270 Mg ha–1), ING (255 Mg ha–1), PP (274 Mg ha–1), and AP systems (256 Mg ha–1). Over a period of five years, the intensification of pasture-based animal production systems did not have a significant impact on OCS in the soils of a Brazilian subtropical highland.

Different-aged Pinus afforestation does not support typical Atlantic Forest fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages

The Atlantic Forest of the southern Brazilian highlands is a biocultural mosaic of Araucaria Forest and grasslands. Despite adverse impacts on biodiversity, extensive areas are being afforested with non-native pine (Pinus spp.), triggering forest succession on areas that were previously native grasslands. The long-term effects of afforestation with these non-native trees for biodiversity conservation are still unknown. Here, we assess this issue by comparing the fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages in young (20 year) and old (70 year) pine plots with nearby native Araucaria Forest. Abundance and richness of butterflies were positively correlated with temperature and mean humidity only in the native forest. Abiotic conditions differed between vegetation types: there was more sunlight, and was warmer and drier in the pine afforestation plots than in the Araucaria Forest. Butterfly species composition was similar between young and old pine plots, but distinct from the native Araucaria Forest. Butterfly species abundances in native forests were more evenly distributed than in afforestation sites. In these pine sites, assemblages were dominated by small, grass-feeding satyrines, whereas old pine sites had more liana-feeding biblidines, and the Araucaria Forest had more large-sized bamboo-feeding species. Our results indicate that even after 70 years of succession a non-native pine afforestation cannot support a butterfly assemblage as that found in the neighboring preserved forest. Moreover, threatened grassland specialist species have been locally extinct after only 20 years of pine afforestation. The evidence gathered here points against the use of silviculture with non-native trees in these biocultural mosaic landscapes.

Yeast diversity in Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot grapes grown in the highlands of Southern Brazil

Considering the influence of natural yeasts on wine production and the organoleptic properties of the final product, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the diversity of yeasts in Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) grown in the highlands of the Northeast region of Rio Grande do Sul State, “Serra Gaúcha”, Brazil. Grape samples were collected from commercial vineyards between February and March in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 vintages. One hundred sixty-six isolated yeasts were classified at the species level by D1/D2 domain of 26S rRNA sequencing. A total of 31 yeast species were identified. The most prevalent species were Hanseniaspora uvarum, Issatchenkia terricola, Saturnispora diversa and Starmerella bacillaris. These same yeasts were the most frequent regardless of the year evaluated. The results indicated that there is a great diversity of yeast species in grapes cultivated in the highlands of Southern Brazil. However, the yeast communities remain similar in Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot grapes the analysed parameters (grape variety/vintage) are not interfering in the yeast populations found in the region highlands of Rio Grande do Sul, “Serra Gaúcha”, Brazil. This study enabled the knowledge of the yeast populations present in the region and their variations during the harvesting of wine grapes, showing that there is a majority pattern of species independent of the harvest.

Brazilian biomes distribution: Past and future

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 26.5–19 ka) was marked by atmospheric cooling, in contrast to the current warming climate, which will probably continue in the coming decades, according to climate models projections. The LGM to pre-industrial transition provides an opportunity to test the vegetation response to a very large temperature change that can then be applied to project pre-industrial to end-of-century changes. In order to explore the changes in Brazilian biomes due to temperature change, we projected potential vegetation for both past and future scenarios. We compared biome projections with a compilation of 149 published LGM reconstructions of climate and vegetation within Brazil and adjacent areas. In addition, we evaluated the particular effects that changes in precipitation, temperature and CO2 had on vegetation by performing sensitivity experiments. Our results suggest that biomes in the western and central portions of the Amazon forest remained largely unchanged during the LGM mainly due to negative temperature anomalies, while a decrease in past precipitation was responsible for the shift from tropical evergreen forest to tropical seasonal forest in the eastern portion of the Amazon. These results are consistent with proxy reconstructions. LGM model projections and proxy reconstructions suggest expansion of grassland in the southern Brazilian highlands. Under future warming scenarios, biome changes are mostly forced by decreasing precipitation and increasing temperatures, which counteract potential biomass gain from the positive CO2 fertilization effect. Under future warming, our simulations show an expansion of Savanna/Cerrado and a reduction of tropical seasonal forest and Caatinga, with potential large impacts over biodiversity and regional climate. • Past precipitation anomalies and vegetation patterns are validated with an updated compilation of 149 reconstructions • LGM simulations show expansion of grassland in agreement with proxy records • Substantially lower CO2 and temperatures are the main controlling factors over vegetational changes during the LGM • +4 °C simulations show expansion of Savanna/Cerrado and a strong dependence of biome shifts on future precipitation changes

Perfil fenólico, composição de ácidos orgânicos e de açúcares de feijoa (Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret) e uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) do planalto sul brasileiro

ABSTRACT: Brazil is a large country with high biodiversity in its different regions. However, species of native fruits widely reported in the southern Brazil have not been properly explored so far, remaining underutilized by the food industry. This study evaluated the polyphenolic profile, as well as the composition of organic acids and sugars of the pulps of the feijoa, and the uvaia from southern brazilian highlands. The uvaia pulp showed the highest total polyphenol content and the highest antioxidant capacity by the methods used. The polyphenol (+)-catechin (6.54 mg 100g-1) was the major phenolic compound in uvaia pulp, which has not yet been reported in the literature for fruits of other regions. In addition, the feijoa pulp stood out for the presence of (-)-epicatechin (18.29 mg 100g-1). The pulps of native fruits in this study only quantified values for citric and malic acids. Malic acid (553.00 mg 100g-1) was the main acid in the uvaia pulp, and citric acid (455.60 mg 100g-1) was the main acid in the feijoa pulp. It is possible to note that the feijoa pulp showed the highest total sugar content (11.14 g 100g-1) and was the only pulp that contained sucrose. The uvaia pulp, conversely, showed fructose (3.10 g 100g-1) as the main sugar. The results obtained in this study contributed to the valuation and conservation of the species investigated, representing a promising alternative for the use of these native fruits in the development of new products.

The influence of fire and cattle grazing on Araucaria population structure in forest-grasslands mosaics

Disturbances caused by land management via fire and cattle grazing can alter the population structure of keystone species that change the output of vegetation dynamics. Adult araucaria trees (Araucaria angustifolia) can facilitate the establishment of other woody plants and, thus, influence the expansion of forests over grasslands in the highlands of southern Brazil. Here we aimed to check araucaria population structure under two types of management – with or without fire and grazing– and in three habitat types: forests, shrublands and grasslands. We sampled araucaria populations in 40 transects (100×4 m), half of each located in the forest, and the other half, in variable extensions of shrublands or grasslands. Of the 40 transects, 18 were under management with fire and grazing and 22 in a protected area where the two disturbances are prevented (São Joaquim National Park). Overall, we sampled 339 araucaria seedlings, 59 saplings, 44 juveniles and 128 adults. Population structure differed both among habitats, between types of management, and between the same habitats but under distinct types of management. Population density was 1.4 times higher in areas with fire and grazing than without such disturbances, which was caused mostly by a larger number of seedlings. Under fire and grazing, we found 1.4 times more adults in forests, 5.7 times more seedlings in shrublands and 5.3 times more seedlings in the grassland than in the same habitat but without disturbances. Our results indicate that araucarias reach and germinate under all conditions but rarely surpass the seedling stage in grasslands and shrublands where fire and grazing is used. Consequently, fire and grazing disturbances should slow down forest expansion over shrublands and grasslands. In contrast, when disturbances are barred, araucarias can grow large enough to trigger their facilitative effect and then gear up the pace of forest expansion.

Yeast biodiversity in honey produced by stingless bees raised in the highlands of southern Brazil

The physicochemical characteristics and yeasts diversity in honey samples from 17 species of stingless bees of the genera Nannotrigona, Melipona, Plebeia, Scraptotrigona, and Tetragonisca cultivated in Southern Brazil were determined. The sugar content, moisture, water activity, pH, reducing sugars/total sugar ratio, and total yeast population varied significantly among the honey from the different bee species. The highest yeast population was found in the Plebeia's honey samples and correlated with their high water-activity. Sixteen yeast species were identified based on the nuclear large subunit (26S) ribosomal RNA partial sequences. The genera Starmerella and Zygosaccharomyces were found predominant, with a high prevalence of Starmerella sp., S. etchellsii, and S. apicola. Some yeast species were only identified in honey samples from specific bee species indicating a close relationship between the yeasts and the insects. For the first time, Wickerhamomyces sydowiorum in honey is being reported. In general, the yeast species isolated from stingless bee honey samples demonstrated high osmotolerance and low sugar assimilation.

Andic properties in soils with histic horizon “O” in the highlands of Southern Brazil

Soils with andic properties are characterized by a low apparent density, variable charges, large amounts of allophanes, imogolite, ferrihydrite, and/or organo-metallic complexes with Al, and present high phosphate retention. Soils derived from non-pyroclastic materials rich in silicates, formed under a cold and humid climate, a large amount of organic carbon, acid weathering, andic properties can manifest when a large amount of Al is present in the form of organo-metallic complexes. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and geographical [...]

<p><strong><em>Delairea aparadensis</em> (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), the first native species of the genus in the Americas</strong></p>

We describe a narrowly endemic new species of Delairea from the highlands of southern Brazil. It is the second species described in this previously monospecific genus that was endemic to Africa, and the first record of a native species of Delairea in the Americas. Delairea aparadensis differs from D. odorata by its deltoid leaves and capitulescences composed by cymes of 2–6 capitula. Additionally, the new species is classified as critically endangered using the IUCN criteria.

Two new annual fishes (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) unexpectedly discovered in the highlands of southern Brazil.

Two new species of Austrolebias are described based on specimens collected from temporary pools located in natural grassland landscape within the Araucaria Forest domain at exceptionally high altitudes (~1000 meters a.s.l.). Austrolebias botocudo sp. n. and Austrolebias nubium sp. n. occur, respectively, in drainages of upper rio Apuaê-Inhandava (upper rio Uruguay basin) and upper rio Taquari-Antas (upper rio Jacuí, Laguna dos Patos basin), in the Meridional Plateau of southern Brazil. Despite an intensive survey conducted in the area, only two populations of each species were recorded. Both new species occurs at altitudes that are among the higher recorded for species of the genus, and both are assigned to the subgenus Acrolebias. The new species described herein are easily distinguished for its congeners by the colour pattern of males, by presence of melanophores irregularly distributed in different parts of the body, contact organs cover the body and anal fins, position of fins related with vertebrae, by preopercular and mandibular series of neuromasts united, by a series of morphometric features and by larger maximum standard length. Austrolebias botocudo and A. nubium are distinguished from each other by colour pattern of males, length of contact organs in the flank and number of contact organs in scales of lateral line, dorsal profile of head, number of neuromasts in the preopercular + mandibular series, body depth in females, and by basihyal cartilage length. Additionally, we discuss the conservation status of the new species, and provided an identification key for the species of the subgenus Acrolebias.

The effects of soil compaction and fertility on a threatened endemic palm species in a global conservation hotspot

Butia eriospatha (Mart. ex Drude) Becc. is a subtropical endemic palm tree that occurs in the Southern Brazilian Highlands. A vast area of its natural habitat has been lost by land-use changes, placing the species at high risk of extinction. Here, we investigated how environmental variables impact the structure of B. eriospatha populations. We randomly allocated 14,100 × 100 m plots, where all palms had the diameter at breast height (dbh) and the total height (th) measured. In the same plots, we collected data on edaphic, topographic, and land-use variables. The data were analysed by frequency histograms, factor analysis of mixed data, and regression trees. B. eriospatha’s size class frequencies tended towards a normal distribution, with few small individuals. We found that plots with flatter terrain had more compacted soils. The structure and biometrics traits of B. eriospatha’s populations were affected by the interaction between soil compaction and fertility. We conclude that sites with lower fertility and more compacted soils showed populations with lower abundance and basal area, and smaller individuals. Sustainable practices of soil management are required to prevent the species from becoming locally extinct.

Growth and wood density of Pinus taeda L. as affected by shelterwood harvest in a two-aged stand in Southern Brazil

Pine plantations are an important wood source in Brazil, with Pinus taeda being most frequently planted. Most pinewood is directed to the paper and pulp industry, but there is an increasing demand for wood for solid end-uses, requiring large stems from longer rotations which can be obtained using P. taeda as the canopy in two-aged stands. We evaluated radial growth and wood density at different stem heights of P. taeda in the highlands of Southern Brazil over a production period of 36 years and subjected to shelterwood harvest. Cross-sectional disks were obtained from 15 trees in different stem heights; 10 were used for growth analyses and 5 for growth and density analyses. We used disk images and X-ray techniques for growth and density analyses, respectively. Samples were analyzed for ring (width and density), earlywood, and latewood (width, density, and proportion). Ring width varied between 0.4 and 1.7 cm, with the widest rings in the first years (3–5 years.) of growth. Ring density increased with age, with higher densities on the lower stem portions. Mature wood started to be formed from the 16th ring onwards. Shelterwood harvest affected both ring width and density, but the effects on ring width lasted for at least 5 years, while the effects on wood density were short-lasting. Mature P. taeda trees increased their size after the shelterwood harvest without compromising their wood density. Longer production periods of P. taeda as retained trees in the canopy of two-aged stands provide high-quality wood for structural purposes.

Morphological characterization and molecular identification of Colletotrichum species associated to sweet persimmon anthracnose in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: The highlands of Southern Brazil contribute with 40% of Brazilian persimmon production. Although expanding, persimmon production faces major problems caused by anthracnose disease (black spot), including fruit rot and necrosis of leaves. Several Colletotrichum species (C. horii, C. gloeosporioides, among others) are implicated in persimmon anthracnose around the world. To identify Colletotrichum species associated with persimmon anthracnose in the highlands of Southern Brazil, 34 isolates were analyzed by ITS-rDNA partial region, GAPDH, and TUB2 partial gene sequences, morphological characteristics, and virulence on persimmon fruits and leaves. Data showed a high prevalence of C. horii (85.3%), that associated with its high virulence on fruits and leaves, confirm a considerable degree of host preference. Moreover, other species C. aenigma, C. asianum, C. fructicola, and C. nymphaeae, were identified, but the last three ones exhibited low virulence on fruits and were not able to produce symptoms on leaves. As far as we know this is the first reference on C. asianum in persimmon. The present data may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of anthracnose in sweet persimmon in Southern Brazil, and it will be useful for epidemiological studies and the development of disease management measures.

Colletotrichum species causing grape ripe rot disease in Vitis labrusca and V. vinifera varieties in the highlands of southern Brazil

AbstractRipe rot is one of the most important bunch diseases of grapes in the highlands of southern Brazil and a matter of concern for winegrowers. Sixty‐one strains isolated from berries of Vitis labrusca and V. vinifera varieties with symptoms were classified by phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of β‐tubulin, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, D1/D2 domain of 28S rDNA, and rDNA internal transcribed spacer. They were also characterized by morphology, and their pathogenicity was evaluated. The combined molecular data allowed identification of six Colletotrichum species: C. fructicola, C. kahawae and C. viniferum (gloeosporioides complex), C. limitticola, C. nymphaeae (acutatum complex), and C. karstii (boninense complex). This is the first report of C. karstii and C. limitticola associated with the ripe rot of grapes. Morphological characteristics varied within and among species, confirming their separation at the complex level. Pathogenicity tests on V. vinifera berries showed that the most prevalent species, C. viniferum (37.8%) and C. fructicola (36.1%), were more virulent than the less prevalent species C. limitticola and C. karstii. Our findings indicate that there is a high diversity of Colletotrichum species associated with ripe rot disease of grapes in Brazil. There were no clear differences in the distribution of Colletotrichum species between V. labrusca and V. vinifera varieties. The determination of fungal species responsible for grape ripe rot in Brazilian vineyards may contribute to further epidemiological studies and the development of more efficient prophylactic methods for ripe rot management.

Invasion by a non-native willow (Salix × rubens) in Brazilian subtropical highlands

Human activities have been increasing pressure on riparian zones, affecting social benefits these ecosystems provide. Invasive species use river corridors as pathways to spread and consequently impact these ecosystems. Willows (Salix spp.) are important tree invaders worldwide. The invasiveness of Salix × rubens and its possible detrimental effects on Brazilian ecosystems have never been addressed. We hereby report the occurrence and invasion of S. × rubens in the highlands of southern Brazil, providing guidelines for the control of established populations and recommendations for safe cultivation to reduce invasions and environmental impacts. Through rapid field surveys and car-conducted roadside surveys performed in different seasons, S. × rubens individuals were located, counted and georeferenced. We registered 1929 individuals growing mainly along watercourses at altitudes between 826 and 1648 m above sea level. Our data provide evidence that S. × rubens has developed populations more than 100 m away from plantations in less than 50 years, likely facilitated by water transport, occasionally forming pure stands along rivers and floodplains. We concluded that S. × rubens is invading riparian ecosystems and thus must be acknowledged as an invasive species in Brazil.

Atributos químicos do solo em plantios florestais em substituição à vegetação nativa em campos de altitude

Os plantios de espécies florestais exóticas vêm aumentando em áreas cobertas por vegetação nativa na região nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul, o que pode alterar as dinâmicas dos nutrientes no solo. Dessa maneira, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da mudança de uso da terra sobre pH e teores de carbono orgânico total (COT), Al3+, Ca2+, Mg2+ e K+ em Cambissolo Húmico, em plantios realizados em área de campo nativo. As áreas analisadas foram pinus plantado em 1963 (P) e eucalipto em 1991 (E), comparativamente a áreas adjacentes remanescentes: de campo nativo em regeneração natural a partir de 1990 (RN), mata nativa (MN) e campo nativo (CN). As amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm, em oito pontos para cada área avaliada, com cálculo de médias e intervalos de confiança (95%). Em geral, CN e MN apresentaram os maiores valores de COT. O plantio “P” apresentou em relação ao CN menores teores de COT, Ca e K na camada 0-10 cm, enquanto o plantio “E” apresentou menores teores de COT em relação ao CN, indicando efeitos negativos da floresta plantada em relação à vegetação natural campestre quanto à ciclagem de carbono e nutrientes. A área RN apresentou valores desses atributos similares aos do CN e MN. Avaliações em longo prazo são importantes para verificar influências do cultivo florestal sobre atributos do solo e identificar a sustentabilidade das formas de uso do solo.

Contributions to Proto-Jê Archaeology in the Southern Brazilian Highlands: Wood, Fire, and Landscape

The anthracological analyses of domestic and ceremonial contexts of proto-Jê archaeological sites in southern Brazil and Argentina have yielded data regarding landscape, fire technology, fuel economy, wood selection, and wood use from about 1200 to 250 years BP. The inhabitants of these sites built up the landscape that they occupied, actively constructing and experiencing their domestic and ceremonial places and possibly engaging in vegetation management practices. They gathered timber and firewood in the Araucaria Forest and in intensely modified areas covered by secondary vegetation. These practices likely included logging and gathering fallen deadwood. Our data indicate cultural selection of particular species. Inga sp., Jacaranda sp., and Araucaria angustifolia were probably selected because of the meaning of these woods in the cosmological dual system of proto-Jê societies. Bamboos and palm stems may have been used as kindling and for fire making. These results are an important contribution to our understanding of the proto-Jê occupation and the relationships that these groups maintained with their plant environment.

Meteorological effects on 30-years-grown Pinus taeda under a gradient of crown thinning intensities in southern Brazil

Pinus taeda plantations are an important economic activity in southern Brazil, where edaphoclimatic conditions are optimal. Understanding how meteorological conditions influence tree growth is important in such a favorable environment for reaching high growth rates and for predicting tree growth responses to climate change. The study was designed to evaluate the influence of meteorological variables on 30 years of radial growth of P. taeda trees subjected to different crown thinning intensities in southern Brazil. In total, 9280 measurements of ring width and age were evaluated. Residual chronologies were obtained according to standard dendrochronology techniques. Correlation was calculated between chronologies and meteorological variables, and thus the direction and magnitude of the relationship between meteorology and growth was addressed. Results indicated that, accounting for the whole year, meteorological conditions show no particular influence on the radial growth of Pinus taeda trees in the studied region. The exception was the vapor pressure deficit, with a significant and negative correlation with the radial growth of trees at all thinning intensities. When considering seasons, several consistent correlations were detected. Rainfall during winter, previously or at the end of the growing season, was positively correlated with the radial growth of trees at all thinning intensities. A consistent negative correlation between minimum and maximum temperature during winter and the radial growth of trees shows that P. taeda in southern Brazil, regardless of thinning intensity, benefit from colder winters in general and, particularly, from colder days during winter. Although temperature increases in the highlands of southern Brazil, as a result of global warming, may not render the cultivation of P. taeda unfeasible, they may restrict or shift the region of optimum growth as well as require changes in the genetic material. Results also suggest that high-intensity thinning may increase the influence of temperature on growth pattern of the stands.

Physiognomic and Multivariate Phytosociological Analyses of a Subtropical Peat Bog Located on the Eastern Plateau in Southern Brazil

Subtropical peat bog vegetation in southern Brazil was examined using physiognomic and phytosociological approaches. The analysis included vascular (angiosperms, pteridophytes) and non-vascular species (bryophytes, mat-forming algae, lichens, macroscopic fungi). The breadth of this approach is novel among wetland studies in southern Brazil. The study examined the Banhado Amarelo peat bog (29°19′05″S, 50°08′18″W), which is located in the Brazilian highlands of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state. Plant cover data extracted from 125 plots distributed among 13 physiognomically recognizable vegetation patches were analyzed using the Braun-Blanquet procedure. In total, 165 species were identified. Multivariate analysis distinguished four groups of patches. The distinctions among groups were particularly evident when all floristic elements were included, i.e., vascular + non-vascular species. When the peat soil in these 13 vegetation patches was analyzed, the proportional clay content of the soil was related to the distribution of patches. The integrated analysis of the Banhado Amarelo bog demonstrated the relevance of physiognomic studies to support phytosociological analyses and the importance of including all floristic elements and soil composition data in a comprehensive approach. These findings can be extended to other studies of subtropical bogs of southern Brazilian highlands that aim to conserve these important South American ecosystems.

Interaction of land management and araucaria trees in the maintenance of landscape diversity in the highlands of southern Brazil.

In the southern Brazilian highlands, pre-Columbian societies created domesticated landscapes through the use and management of forests, including nurse Araucaria angustifolia trees, a common conifer in these regions. Nowadays, local smallholders still use traditional practices, such as burning, to promote vegetation for cattle grazing in highland grasslands. Even though burning is normally of small extent and low frequency, such management can slow down natural forest expansion and contribute to the maintenance of grasslands, by opposing the facilitative effect of nurse araucaria trees. To comprehend the interplay between human cultural management, species interactions and the environment, it is important to better understand how these relations affect diversity and composition. Our goal was to investigate how land management, biotic interactions and abiotic factors affect saplings species richness, abundance and composition. We hypothesized that (1) land management would decrease sapling richness and abundance and change sapling composition, (2) nurse araucaria trees would increase species richness and abundance and change sapling composition, and (3) the interactive effect between land management and nurse araucaria trees would shape sapling richness, abundance and composition. Data were collected in unmanaged and managed conditions, both beneath araucaria crowns and in nearby treeless areas. Our results indicate that abundance and species composition are affected by land management and araucaria crown influence. The highest values of sapling abundance were found beneath crowns in unmanaged areas. Species composition changed between all assessed combinations of land management and crown influence. Our study demonstrates the major roles of land management and facilitation in structuring communities, despite the effects of rock and grass cover. Moreover, our results clarify patterns and processes that may emerge in natural highland grasslands, such as the conversion of grasslands into forests and the loss of cultural landscapes when the main local management actions are excluded.