Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Brenesia
Abstract
We tracked seedling growth of two species of aguacatillo (Nectandra cufodontisii (O. C. Schmidt) C. K. Allen and Ocotea austinii C. K. Allen) that were planted into an early successional cloud forest hillside in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica over nine years. Seedlings were collected from underneath nearby mother trees and transplanted into one of three soil treatments: indigenous soil; a 50:50 mixture of horse manure and indigenous soil; and a 50:50 mixture of kitchen compost and indigenous soil. After seedlings were transplanted they were measured and each specific location was evaluated for light exposure. Two months later seedlings were again measured and weed growth was quantified. Data collection was repeated in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2014. We found that weeds were most abundant in high light sites, but showed no significant preference for any of the three soil treatments. Over the nine years of this study, 71% of seedlings survived. Although survivorship did not vary among soil types, soils amended with either horse manure or compost produced significantly larger seedlings than indigenous soils. These differences were statistically undetectable until 2009, but have continued to widen thereafter. We discuss mechanisms that may be contributing to these growth patterns and suggest further research approaches. Our findings recommend amending cloud forest soils with organic matter to promote growth of transplanted seedlings. Finally, based on our results we also strongly urge multiple year, long-term monitoring when restoration projects are being assessed.29
First Page
29
Last Page
36
Publication Date
2014
Recommended Citation
DeVries, Sheila and Warners, David, "Nine Year Assessment of Soil Treatment on Aguacatillo (Nectandontisii and Ocotea Austinii, Lauraceae) Seedling Success in the Restoration of a Costa Rican Cloud Forestra cufo" (2014). Faculty and Professional Research. 22.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/pcs_peer-reviewed/22