Caracterización de grupos funcionales de plantas leñosas y su relación con factores ambientales, en bosques andinos, de la reserva de la biosfera del macizo del Cajas.

Abstract

In the present study, information was generated on the functional groups

Obtained through functional traits of morphological characteristics in woody vegetation in mature forests within the Macizo del Cajas Biosphere Reserve. Here 20 plots were installed in two altitudinal floors Montane forest (Iberia-Azuay) and Lower montane forest (San Antonio de Chaucha-Azuay) Methodologically, the identification of functional groups of species was carried out, according to five functional traits: Specific leaf area ( AFE), leaf area (AF), leaf thickness (GF), wood density (DM), dry matter (DM). By means of a multivariate classification analysis and according to the similarity of the traits, the species were grouped into three functional groups. 259 plant species were registered; of these 160 were grouped in cluster 1 or conservationists, 36 species in cluster 2 or mixed and 63 species in the third cluster or acquisitive. To establish relationships between response variables the 10 functional traits, adding chest height (DBH) at 1.3 m from the ground and total height , maximum height (HMax), dominant height , commercial height (HC) with the topographic, climatic and edaphic predictor variables, a selection analysis was carried out using the find Correlation function of the Caret de R package where the variables correlated with r ≥ 0.8 were eliminated, with the selected variables applied a mixed general linear model (MLGM) using the Backward statistical tool. From the correlations that were significant and with a determination coefficient ≤ 0.5, scatter charts were made. A total of 22 significant correlations were found, where the height, the DAP and the HMax showed higher values in the correlations. It was concluded that the variables of precipitation, C and N present in the soil were an important factor in the variation of functional traits.