Abstract ID: 50

Contribution for filling a gap in the middle Amazon Basin: Zafire Biological Station

In the Amazon region the interest for understanding carbon cycling has been growing. Based on Rainfor results a huge gap on information from the middle Amazon basin exists. Part of this area belongs to Colombian Amazon. In response to that missing and with the aim to a better understanding of Amazonian forests to the long term, in September 2004 we established 4 ha plots on different forest formations (White SandsWS, Tierra FirmeTF, Flooded forestFF, and transitional forestTrF) in the Rio Calderon Forest Reserve (4°0’21’S-69°53’55”W). Litterfall production was estimated during 2 years showing differences between plots and the strong influence that local climatic and edaphic conditions exert on its production. Root mass was assessed over 27 months on WS forest and compared with the production of a 50 km distant enriched TF forest in Amacayacu National park, showing differences in total production, and in the time response to precipitation between sites. Wood density was estimated on each plot finding no significant differences between forests except WS, and among species. On the same trees, xylem density was calculated finding positive relation between xylem and wood densities. Measurements of height of trees of given DBH at different forests were useful to show allometric differences that could be over or subestimating carbon and biomass calculations on areas with WS forests. These and many other research projects developed in the station as well as courses and students training, are being useful for better regional forest functioning comprehension.

Session:  Biodiversity - Permanent plot networks for inventory of biodiversity and carbon stocks: integrating taxonomic and ecosystem objectives.

Presentation Type:  Oral