Ecofunctional Traits and Biomass Production in Leguminous Tree Species under Fertilization Treatments during Forest Restoration in Amazonia

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Choosing the correct species and fertilization treatments is a determining factor in the success of forest restoration. Methods: A field study was conducted in a degraded area near the Balbina hydroelectric dam in Amazonas State (AM), Brazil, to evaluate two hypotheses: (i) leguminous tree species exhibit differences in growth, leaf nutrient content, and photosynthetic nutrient use efficiencies; and (ii) differences in these characteristics depend on the fertilization treatments to which the species have been subjected. Dipteryx odorata, Inga edulis and Schizolobium amazonicum were subjected to the following treatments: (T1) unfertilized control; (T2) post-planting chemical fertilization; (T3) post-planting organic fertilization and (T4) combined chemical and organic post-planting fertilization. Results: In general, I. edulis had the highest absolute growth rate of biomass under all of the fertilization treatments. I. edulis and S. amazonicum showed the highest growth rates under the T4 treatment. D. odorata showed the greatest responses under the T2 and T4 treatments. Native leguminous trees with higher photosynthetic performance and better nutrient use efficiency exhibited greater growth and biomass production. Conclusion: The results suggest that an adequate balance between leguminous species selection and fertilization will aid in the success of forest restoration in Amazonia.

Effects of seasonality, fertilization and species on the chlorophyllafluorescence as related with photosynthesis and leguminous tree growth during Amazonian forest restoration

“…The relative growth rate of the diameter (RGR D ) of each tree, hereafter the diameter growth, was calculated 24 months after plantating (17). Detailed information on the species used, fertilization methods, experimental trials and monthly precipitation during the experimental period can be found in (25).…”

“…The P concentration was determined by spectrophotometry at 725 nm. The potassium (K), Ca and Mg, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (PerkinElmer 1100B, Inc., Waltham, MA, USA) according to Jaquetti et al (17).…”

“…The high-nutrient treatment received four 4 applications of macro-and micronutrients in the beginning of dry and wet season, while the low-nutrient treatment received no fertilization throughout the 24-month experiment. The relative growth rate of the diameter (RGR D ) of each tree, hereafter the diameter growth, was calculated 24 months after plantating (17). Detailed information on the species 5 used, fertilization methods, experimental trials and monthly precipitation during the experimental period can be found in (25).…”

“…Increased drought resistance after fertilization has been reported to be due to the enhanced quantum yield and photosynthesis (15,16). Studies on tropical environments have demonstrated the synergistic effects of multiple-nutrient fertilization on biomass growth during forest restoration with leguminous trees (17,18). However, only a few studies have evaluated the effects of combined drought and nutrient stresses on growth and photosynthetic perforance.…”

Fertilization and seasonality influence on the photochemical performance of tree legumes in forest plantation for area recovery in the Amazon

“…Degraded areas in the Amazon Basin with decreased soil organic matter impose multiple nutrient limitations restricting photochemical activities and plant growth [19,20]. Studies have demonstrated the effects of fertilization on biomass growth during forest restoration with leguminous trees [21,22]. Fertilization effects may enhance the drought tolerance of species due to increased quantum yield [23,24].…”