Influence of environmental variables on the density of shrub and tree seedlings in an Upland Forest in the Central Amazon

• Main Authors: Randolpho Gonçalves Dias Terceiro, Gabriela Marques Peixoto, Tainá Sherlakyann Alves Pessoa, Eudécio Carvalho Neco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina 2014-09-01
• Series: Biotemas
• Subjects: Distance from an igarapé; Luminosity; Seedling
• Online Access: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/biotemas/article/view/2175-7925.2014v27n3p191

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of luminosity and distance from an igarapé on seedling density in an upland forest in the Central Amazon. Twenty plots were installed, where we measured the percentage of canopy openness, and the distance from an igarapé, and we also counted the number of seedlings. We obtained a linear regression of canopy openness with the seedling density and an ANOVA of seedling density according to the distance from an igarapé. We registered a total of 229 seedling individuals (seedling density = 11 plants/m2). Among the environmental variables measured, only canopy openness has positively influenced on seedling density. Small amplitude in the increase in luminosity can cause an increased seedling density. Seedling density did not differ with regard to the distance from an igarapé, due to low competitiveness and adaptations by species occurring in the wetlands.