Caracterización de aspectos florísticos, estructurales y de la dinámica de los bosques de roble negro (Trigonobalanus excelsa) en la Serranía de Peñas Blancas, Huila

Abstract

This study aims to present aspects of the floristic composition, structural characteristics, and dynamics of Black Oak forests, with the objective of generating information to propose conservation plans for the forest located within the Serranía de Peñas Blancas Integrated Management District (IMD) in southern Huila. To this end, nine existing permanent monitoring plots were surveyed and 17 new permanent plots of 0.1 ha each were established, resulting in a total of 26 Permanent Monitoring Plots (PMPs). These plots were used to characterize aspects of the floristic composition and the structure of Black Oak forests. On average, 57 individuals with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of 10 cm were found in 0.1 ha, accumulating an average of 3.94 m² of basal area and 81.33 m³ of total volume. According to the Importance Value Index (IVI), Trigonobalanus excelsa is the most important species with 55.5%, followed by Alfaroa williamsii with 3.7%. The diameter distribution showed an inverted "J" shape, with individuals concentrated in the smaller DBH classes. Compared to other Black Oak forests in Colombia, the number of individuals found is within the average range, as are the basal area and volume. Using data from plots established in previous years, a mortality rate of 1.5% was determined, which is within normal values for tropical forests; the recruitment rate was 0.6%, with a low percentage of individuals reaching adult tree categories, creating a dynamic imbalance in the forest due to higher mortality than recruitment. Additionally, T. excelsa trees exhibited an annual diameter increment of 0.27 cm.