Vochysia guatemalensis Donn. Smith, an alternative species for reforestation on acid tropical soils

Abstract

Vochysia guatemalensis Donn. Smith is a native species commonly used in small-scale reforestation programs in Costa Rica recognized for its fast growth under acidic and unfertile soil conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient concentration dynamics on individual trees of V. guatemalensis of increasing ages, in order to improve the understanding some aspects of its ecology as well as management of this tree species. Nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B) and Al concentration in stems, branches and foliage were measured using false time series (also known as chronosequences) in 13 different tree stands (2–21 years) found in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. N, K and S concentrations in the stems showed a significant inverse relationship with DBH; while P, S, and Cu foliar contents increased with DBH. Average foliar concentrations of N, Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, B, and Al showed little or no variation with tree growth. Foliar Al concentration (21, 297–28, 826 mg kg-1) was higher than previously reported as toxic for non-Al accumulating species (\1000 mg kg-1), confirming V. guatemalensis as an Al hyper accumulator. Our results reinforce the possibility of using V. guatemalensis for timber production, especially to improve the income of small farmers farming on very acidic soils. The nutrient concentrations that were obtained for different tree components provide baseline information for further studies where the objective is to evaluate the nutritional status of a site.