Relaciones entre la estructura y cobertura arbórea con el carbono almacenado en bosques montanos andinos en el macizo del Cajas, Azuay-Ecuador

Abstract

The Andean montane forests are unique and important ecosystems based on the diversity and diverse environmental services they provide, including carbon storage. In the present investigation, information was generated on the relationships between the structure and tree cover with the carbon stored in Andean montane forests. The study was carried out in the remnants of mature forests of El Cajas massif, in Chaucha and San Gerardo, in 20 permanent sampling plots. Tree cover and structure were measured here, and carbon stored in four compartments was calculated. With the data obtained from tree cover and structure, relationships were established with the results of the carbon stored in the different compartments. As a result, it was obtained that the structure of the vegetation differs into two clusters. Of these, cluster 2, located at a higher altitude, presented statistically greater results than cluster 1. As for the carbon accumulated in the necromass, above-ground biomass, soil and thick roots presented higher values in cluster 2 (4.7; 136; 291; 54.2 Mg C/ha, respectively) as opposed to roots fine that presented higher values in cluster 1 (22.6 Mg C/ha). In general, total organic carbon has higher values in cluster 2 (505.56 Mg C/ha). Twenty four (24) significant correlations were registered between the structure and tree cover variables with the stored carbon; of these 11 correlations were high (r ≥ 0.8). The basal area with carbon on the ground were the variables that presented the higher adjustment, according to R2 = 94%.