Seasonal effects on basal growth and its relationship with wood density in tropical tree species of the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

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Abstract

Background. In seasonally dry tropical forests, water availability determines the growth of plants. Diameter growth rate has a direct relationship with the density and relative water content in the wood and this relationship can be strengthened according to environmental seasonality. Objective. To determine the effect of seasonality in diameter growth and its relationship with wood density. Methods. The study was conducted at site Forest Reserve El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Chetumal, Quintana Roo March 2010- March 2011. Diameter growth (DG), wood density (WD) and relative water content in wood (RWC) were determined during one year at two-week intervals. 16 tree species were studied. Results. The seasonality in rainfall directly influences the DG, this is corroborated by the high growth rate in the rainy season, plus WD is a determining factor in the growth rate, as it is directly related to RWC and the DG. In the dry season four functional groups were identified. A) soft wood trees with low WD, high RWC and high DG; B) WD trees with high, intermediate RWC and moderate DG; C) trees with high WD, intermediate RWC and slow DG; D) trees with high WD, under RWC without DG. Implication. The water availability significantly influences the growth rate and wood density. Conclusions. The growth rate is directly related to the WD and the RWC, this in turn is influenced by water availability. This relationship identifies a seasonal response and allows distinguishing functional groups.

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