Radial growth of Cedrela odorata L. in two areas with over 160 years of distinct forest recuperation pathways: active reforestation vs. natural regeneration

Abstract

Forest restoration plays an essential role in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecosystem services. Altough global initiatives emphasize the urgency of developing effective strategies for ecosystem recovery, assessing the success of these strategies remains a considerable challenge. In this context, we investigated the growth dynamics of Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae) over more than 160 years in two Atlantic Forest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, characterized by distinct historical recuperation pathways: active reforestation in Parque Nacional da Tijuca (PNT) and natural regeneration following land protection in Reserva Biológica do Tinguá (RBT). Dendrochronological analyses revealed significant differences in age structure and tree size between areas. Trees in PNT were older and larger (169 years, DBH 78 cm) than those in RBT (132 years, DBH 56 cm), reflecting differences in management intensity. Higher growth rates during early development of trees in PNT are likely associated with silvicultural practices implemented during reforestation. However, from the 1940s onwards, a convergence in growth rates indicates structural recovery in both areas. This pattern reflects increased competition among trees, characteristic of more advanced stages of forest dynamics. After 1990, both areas experienced a decline in growth, potentially linked to increasing urban-related environmental stressors. Overall, our results highlight the resilience of C. odorata and emphasize the importance of forest recuperation efforts in both areas, demonstrating their long-term success. Additionally, they underscore the effectiveness of restoration practices in PNT, as demonstrated by the acceleration of structural recovery in the forest, with older trees, increased above-ground biomass, and radial increment rates comparable to those of mature forests. This success also implies the restoration of ecosystem services, as sought in the historical recovery proposals for these two tropical forest areas.

Keywords

Radial growth comparative analysis / Dendroecology / Historical wood anatomy / Dense ombrophilous rainforest / Forest restoration indicators

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Funding

Universidade Do Estado Do Rio De Janeiro

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