Wood density and vessel traits of woody species in Colombian seasonal dry lands as an adaptation to, and resilience mechanism for, livestock systems

Abstract

In Colombia, as well as in South America, dry seasonal tropics have drought periods that can last for six months with less than 10% of mean annual rainfall (900-1150 mm). For livestock systems, this situation generates constraints in the quantity and quality of forage affecting productivity, protability and causing damage to natural resources (Figure 1). Within vegetative genetic resources, fodder trees are recognized for their adaptation to climate change and because they are a source of nutrients for herbivores, they are a topic that waits for improving knowledge about their contribution to mitigation. This study explores the range and variability patterns of xylem vessel traits and wood density of 24 woody forage species (Table 1) which occur within pastures and semi-natural grasslands in dry seasonal areas of the Tolima and Huila departments of Colombia.