Restoration of degraded Forest of Austrocedrus chilensis with native species of high Forest value in Patagonia, Argentina

CASELLI MARINA; URRETAVIZCAYA M. F.; LOGUERCIO G.; CONTARDI L.T.; GIANOLINI, S.; DEFOSSÉ G.E.

Bariloche

Conferencia; Adapting forest ecosystems and wood products to biotic and abiotic stress. International Conference TOPWOOD + LIA Forestia; 2019

Austrocedruschilensis isan important native conifer of the Patagonian Andean Forests. Itforms pure and mixed stands that are liable to frequent disturbances.In stands degraded by the "Mal del Ciprés" decline diseaseand by herbivory, restoration trials were established with A.chilensisand Nothofagusdombeyi,in two sites with different environmental conditions (Mesic andXeric). At each site, three levels of canopy cover were indentified:No cover (0%), Intermediate (30-60%), and High (>70%). At eachlevel, three plantation plots were established.Additionalywe evaluate seedling performance with and without surroundingcompetition, andat no cover level, we evaluate the use of artificialprotection. Survival, increase in height and collar diameter, wereanalyzed after the second growing season. Atboth sites survival ofthe two species is advantaged by canopy cover. With no cover,artificial protection highly improves survival of the two species,especially at the xeric site. Competitive vegetation removal for bothspecies improves survival at the xeric site, and improves growth inthe mesic site, independently of the canopy cover. A.chilensisshows better capacity to endure the combination of high radiation andlow humidity than N.dombeyi.That is way we recommend A.chilensis forforest restoration at xeric sites with no canopy protection. At thesesites, but with canopy protection and in mesic sites with canopy orartificial protection, both species are recommendable forrestoration. These results are auspicious to put in to de practicethe enrichment of A.chilensispure forest and, especially for active restoration of "mal delciprés" degraded forest of north Patagonia.