Conservation values of even-aged and uneven-aged Nothofagus antarctica forests in Tierra del Fuego.

MARTÍNEZ PASTUR, G; LENCINAS, MV; CELLINI, JM; BARRERA, MD; ROSAS, YM; HUERTAS HERRERA, A; TORO MANRÍQUEZ, M; BENITEZ, J; BLAZZINA, AP; MILLER, JA; PERI, PL

Workshop; 11th. IUFRO Workshop on Uneven-aged silviculture: challenges for increasing adaptability.; 2018

Usually mature stands were considered as forests with higher conservation values, despite their tree age structure. However, natural stands presented a range of stand conditions, from even-aged at different development phases (OG = optimum growth stages, MD = mature and decaying stages) to uneven-agedcombining different different development phases (UMD = uneven-aged combining both stages of MD,UOG = uneven-aged combining OG and MD stages). The aim was to determine the understory richness and cover of even and uneven-aged stands of Nothofagus antarctica in Tierra del Fuego, and relate them with forest structure variables. A total of 75 stands were sampled across the natural range distribution, where understory (point intercept method) and forest structure (angle count sampling and eye-fish photos)variables were measured. Seventeen one-way ANOVAs were conducted using Tukey test at pUOG>OG. Finally, the cover of indicator plant for environmental degradation not present significant differences (F=2.1, p=0.106), but was positive related to mature stages. We can conclude that uneven-aged presented some high conservation values compared to even-aged stands, and with a direct relationship with the development stage of the trees, where mature have better values than optimum growth stages. These findings can be used for better silviculture practices that combine silvopastoral and conservation strategies.