EVALUATION OF AN OAK PLANTATION (Quercus rugosa NEE) IN THE MIDDLE AJUSCO ZONE, FEDERAL DISTRICT

Abstract

In order to provide elements for its reintroduction at a disturbed site in the Middle Ajusco Zone, the development of an oak (Quercus rugosa Neé) plantation was evaluated. Seedling survival and growth in four environments, distinguished on the basis of substrate condition and vicinity of established trees, are presented. After one year overall survival was about 10 %, and there were differences among environments, with higher survival in areas shaded by trees. Growth was seasonal, with plant height, mean number of leaves and mean basal diameter decreasing during the dry season. The latter is due to the death of the aerial part of many individuals that resprout later in the season. Only seedlings established in shaded microhabitats registered increments in height. It was concluded that trees present on disturbed sites -mainly Buddleia cordata H.B.K.- act as nurse plants, ameliorating the harsh conditions faced by oak seedlings.