Análisis del desarrollo inicial de cinco especies nativas en un experimento de reforestación en una gradiente altitudinal en la provincia del Azuay, Ecuador

Reforestation is common for restoring degraded areas, but little is known about the development of native species in abandoned pastures in the Andes. This study analyzed the development and initial survival of five native Andean species (Hedyosmum luteynii, Morella pubescens, Oreocallis grandiflora, Vallea stipularis, and Weinmannia fagaroides in a reforestation experiment in Azuay province, Ecuador. The experiment used a randomized block design with four treatments: T1: control; T2: no shade + cut grass; T3: shade + uncut grass; T4: shade + cut grass, across three sites representing an altitudinal gradient: low (2270 m a.s.l.), medium (2833 m a.s.l.), and high (3180 m a.s.l.), with a total of 7680 seedlings planted. The results showed that the relative growth rate in height (TRCa ), basal diameter (TRCdb), and survival were influenced by the interaction between altitude and treatments, presenting variable responses to the effect of both factors. However, the positive effect of treatments with shade (T3 and T4) on TRCa and survival in all gradients for all species was highlighted, while for TRCdb, the effect of treatments and altitudinal gradient was variable and no clear patterns were found. The good quality of seedlings was positively associated with the low gradient and shade. These findings highlight the importance of considering ecological characteristics, site conditions, and appropriate management for effective reforestation in the Andean region