Modeling tree diversity, stand structure and productivity of northern temperate coniferous forests of Mexico

There is increasing evidence complex forest structure and tree diversity correlates positively with the productivity of forest ecosystems. However, there is little quantitative information regarding the effect of these factors on stand productivity of northern temperate coniferous forests of Mexico. This study aimed to test the hypothesis tree diversity and canopy structure positively associates with forest productivity. Parameterization of tree diversity, stand structure and productivity were carried out on dasometric data from 36 permanent sampling plots re-measured in 1982, 1993, and 2004. Statistical analysis of stand parameters tested the null hypothesis. Statistical relationships revealed well-balanced canopy strata and imbalanced diameter structures positively correlated with stand productivity. Tree diversity was also positively linked with stand productivity, but the effect appeared to be most important in the early to intermediate stages of succession. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of tree diversity and canopy structure on stand productivity. These preliminary observations stress the importance of prescribing silvicultural practices that maintain the three-dimensional structure of stands and diversity of forest canopies that aim to preserve ecosystem function, diversity, and productivity.