Microclimate and natural regeneration of Nothofagus alpina, N. obliqua y N. dombeyi

Abstract

The natural reproduction of Nothofagus alpina, N. dombeyi and N. obliqua was examined at 74 locations in BíoBío, Malleco and Cautín provinces (Chile). Relationships between the occurrence and growth of young plants and some microclimatic variables were studied by means of multivariate analyses. N. alpina is restricted to conditions of low light (<27%) and reduced evaporation, as well as to moderate air and soil temperatures. It avoids situations that involve frost hazard during the vegetation period. In comparison, N. obliqua is a typical heliophyte, preferring open sites of intensive light and high evaporation rates, and can even survive night temperatures around the freezing point. The microclimatic requirements of N. dombeyi were generally very similar to those of N. alpina within the investigated region. The ecological classification, particularly of the latter, is discussed in this paper.