E.E. (Edwin) Lebrija Trejos : “Explaining tropical dry forest regrowth”

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6 Apr 2009 13:30
Unit: Wageningen University
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. F.J.J.M. Bongers (Personal Chair at the Forestecology and Forest Management)
Promotor: Prof.dr. J.A. Meave del Castillo (National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
Co Promotor: Dr.ir. L. Poorter (Wageningen University), Dr. E.A. Pérez-García (National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

 Areas with a marked dry season are among the favourites for living in the tropics, implicating that large forest surfaces are constantly disturbed. This is, cleared for agriculture and other resource utilization purposes. Extensive areas are hence now covered by distinct (secondary) forests that regrow naturally after termination of such disturbances. In contrast to tropical rain forests, the process of natural regrowth is largely unknown for the remarkably different dry forests. Its scientific knowledge is necessary to conduct effective forest management and restoration.

I combined the classic study of sites with different periods elapsed since the termination of disturbance, with dating techniques that employ growth rings of trees, and the direct monitoring of vegetation changes over time. This allowed revealing clear directions of vegetation change and understanding why a particular group of plants live, dominate, and disappear, from a certain place and at a certain moment, throughout forest development. Combined changes in forest plant composition, structure, and environmental conditions, determined plant community membership and members’ replacement. Temperature and characteristics of plants related to their fitness were key factors directing these changes. These results contribute to develop a suited theory to explain tropical dry forest changes in response to temporary disturbances.
Title thesis: "Tropical Dry Forest Recovery: processes and causes of change"
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