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Keywords = páramo ecosystem

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27 pages, 2496 KB  
Article
A Context-Aware Tourism Recommender System Using a Hybrid Method Combining Deep Learning and Ontology-Based Knowledge
by Marco Flórez, Eduardo Carrillo, Francisco Mendes and José Carreño
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030194 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1504
Abstract
The Santurbán paramo is a sensitive high-mountain ecosystem exposed to pressures from extractive and agricultural activities, as well as increasing tourism. In response, this study presents a context-aware recommendation system designed to support sustainable tourism through the integration of deep neural networks and [...] Read more.
The Santurbán paramo is a sensitive high-mountain ecosystem exposed to pressures from extractive and agricultural activities, as well as increasing tourism. In response, this study presents a context-aware recommendation system designed to support sustainable tourism through the integration of deep neural networks and ontology-based semantic modeling. The proposed system delivers personalized recommendations—such as activities, accommodations, and ecological routes—by processing user preferences, geolocation data, and contextual features, including cost and popularity. The architecture combines a trained TensorFlow Lite model with a domain ontology enriched with GeoSPARQL for geospatial reasoning. All inference operations are conducted locally on Android devices, supported by SQLite for offline data storage, which ensures functionality in connectivity-restricted environments and preserves user privacy. Additionally, the system employs geofencing to trigger real-time environmental notifications when users approach ecologically sensitive zones, promoting responsible behavior and biodiversity awareness. By incorporating structured semantic knowledge with adaptive machine learning, the system enables low-latency, personalized, and conservation-oriented recommendations. This approach contributes to the sustainable management of natural reserves by aligning individual tourism experiences with ecological protection objectives, particularly in remote areas like the Santurbán paramo. Full article
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20 pages, 3657 KB  
Article
Bioaccumulation and Tolerance of Metals in Floristic Species of the High Andean Wetlands of the Ichubamba Yasepan Protected Area: Identification of Groups and Discriminant Markers
by Diego Francisco Cushquicullma-Colcha, María Verónica González-Cabrera, Cristian Santiago Tapia-Ramírez, Marcela Yolanda Brito-Mancero, Edmundo Danilo Guilcapi-Pacheco, Guicela Margoth Ati-Cutiupala, Pedro Vicente Vaca-Cárdenas, Eduardo Antonio Muñoz-Jácome and Maritza Lucía Vaca-Cárdenas
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6805; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156805 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 893
Abstract
The Ichubamba Yasepan wetlands, in the Andean páramos of Ecuador, suffer heavy metal contamination due to anthropogenic activities and volcanic ash from Sangay, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the bioaccumulation and tolerance of metals in high Andean species through [...] Read more.
The Ichubamba Yasepan wetlands, in the Andean páramos of Ecuador, suffer heavy metal contamination due to anthropogenic activities and volcanic ash from Sangay, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the bioaccumulation and tolerance of metals in high Andean species through stratified random sampling and linear transects in two altitudinal ranges. Concentrations of Cr, Pb, Hg, As, and Fe in water and the tissues of eight dominant plant species were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, calculating bioaccumulation indices (BAIs) and applying principal component analysis (PCA), clustering, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Twenty-five species from 14 families were identified, predominantly Poaceae and Cyperaceae, with Calamagrostis intermedia as the most relevant (IVI = 12.74). The water exceeded regulatory limits for As, Cr, Fe, and Pb, indicating severe contamination. Carex bonplandii showed a high BAI for Cr (47.8), Taraxacum officinale and Plantago australis for Pb, and Lachemilla orbiculata for Hg, while Fe was widely accumulated. The LDA highlighted differences based on As and Pb, suggesting physiological adaptations. Pollution threatens biodiversity and human health, but C. bonplandii and L. orbiculata have phytoremediation potential. Full article
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17 pages, 2866 KB  
Article
Do Small Livestock Producers Adapt to Climate Variability? An Approach to the Case of the Upper Fonce River Páramo in Santander, Colombia
by Victoria-Eugenia Guáqueta-Solórzano, César Enrique Ortiz-Guerrero and Edna Castañeda Salazar
Land 2025, 14(5), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051068 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 826
Abstract
This article presents the changes in the climatic variables of precipitation and temperature, the perceptions of producers regarding these variables, and the strategies and social, economic, and political factors that affect adaptations of small livestock producers in the páramo ecosystem at the upper [...] Read more.
This article presents the changes in the climatic variables of precipitation and temperature, the perceptions of producers regarding these variables, and the strategies and social, economic, and political factors that affect adaptations of small livestock producers in the páramo ecosystem at the upper Rio Fonce region. Data from 33 questionnaires, 12 interviews, and two workshops with key actors and producers were analyzed. A workshop resulted in a traffic light table assessing indicators from Bergamini related to vulnerability and adaptive capacity. Survey results helped identify adaptation strategies, while public policy documents underwent deductive content analysis. The findings revealed that changes in precipitation and temperature affect livestock systems. Farms with silvopastoral systems implement more adaptation strategies than conventional farms, even when not anticipated. Additionally, the ambiguity of the concept of adaptation hinders the development of policies that would enable livestock producers to transition towards more adaptive livestock systems. Full article
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12 pages, 5442 KB  
Article
Influence of Altitude and Climatic Factors on the Floristic Composition of the Moorlands of the Guamote Canton, Ecuador: Key Revelations for Conservation
by Diego Francisco Cushquicullma-Colcha, Guicela Margoth Ati-Cutiupala, Edmundo Danilo Guilcapi-Pacheco, Juan Federico Villacis-Uvidia, Marcela Yolanda Brito-Mancero, Pedro Vicente Vaca-Cárdenas, Martha Marisol Vasco-Lucio, Eduardo Antonio Muñoz-Jácome and Maritza Lucia Vaca-Cárdenas
Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020383 - 7 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
The Andean paramos are unique and biodiverse environments. Located between the upper limit of forest and perpetual snow, they provide ecosystem services, especially freshwater supply; however, anthropogenic activities and climate change have altered their distribution and composition. This paper analyses the influence of [...] Read more.
The Andean paramos are unique and biodiverse environments. Located between the upper limit of forest and perpetual snow, they provide ecosystem services, especially freshwater supply; however, anthropogenic activities and climate change have altered their distribution and composition. This paper analyses the influence of altitude and climatic factors on the floristic composition of the páramos. A quasi-experimental study was used in three altitudinal gradients, collecting geolocalised data on species and bioclimatic variables. Principal component analysis, using the HJ-Biplot visualisation technique and k-means clustering algorithms, was applied to explore the relationships between factors. It was determined that the lower zone is nuanced by the presence of Solanaceae, which are important for human food. In the middle zone, there is a high diversity, with the Ericaceae and Caprifoliaceae families standing out, while in the upper zone, the Ericaceae and Gentianaceae families are accentuated. The PCA reveals that strata 2 and 3 share family taxa, while stratum 1 shows differences. Altitude and precipitation directly influence the distribution of species in each stratum; the Asteraceae family is dominant in the canton for its contribution to the principal components. Full article
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19 pages, 12302 KB  
Article
Ecological Niche Modeling of Five Azorella Species in the High Andean Páramo Ecosystem of South America: Assessing Climate Change Impacts Until 2040
by Carlos Rolando Rosero-Erazo, Catherine Frey, Freddy Armijos-Arcos, Paula Abdo-Peralta, Andrea Damaris Hernández-Allauca, Cristian García-Pumagualle, John Ortega-Castro, X. L. Otero and Theofilos Toulkeridis
Diversity 2024, 16(12), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120736 - 29 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1741
Abstract
The current study aims to analyze the fundamental ecological niches of five páramo species in the high Andean zones of South America. Hereby, the research focuses on the typical flora species of this ecosystem, such as Azorella aretioides, Azorella crenata, Azorella [...] Read more.
The current study aims to analyze the fundamental ecological niches of five páramo species in the high Andean zones of South America. Hereby, the research focuses on the typical flora species of this ecosystem, such as Azorella aretioides, Azorella crenata, Azorella biloba, Azorella corymbosa, and Azorella pedunculata, testing whether their niches are more similar than expected. The study area in the Ecuadorian Andes encompasses altitudinal gradients between 2000 and 5000 m above sea level, where the species were previously registered. For the methodology, we used data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and identified the determining bioclimatic variables for the model as Bio1, Bio2, Bio3, Bio4, Bio12, Bio13, Bio14, Bio18, and Bio19. Moreover, we considered two alternative socioeconomic scenarios of climate change (SSP126 and SSP 245) projected for the period 2021–2040. In the same way, ecological niche models were evaluated and applied in order to identify areas of reduction in geographic space and the ecological space of the five species. Subsequently, the analysis revealed significant sensitivity of these high mountain species to variations in temperature and precipitation, with potential risks to associated species and water resources. In conclusion, changes in the fundamental niche were observed, with all species indicating reductions in distribution for 2040. This occurs particularly under the SSP245 scenario and especially in the equatorial zone, which currently exhibits extraordinary richness concerning the Azorella genus. Therefore, the study highlights evidently the vulnerability of páramo species to climate change, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. Full article
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26 pages, 7170 KB  
Article
Evaluation of the Synergies of Land Use Changes and the Quality of Ecosystem Services in the Andean Zone of Central Ecuador
by Yadira Carmen Pazmiño, José Juan de Felipe, Marc Vallbé, Franklin Cargua and Yomara Pazmiño
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020498 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2107
Abstract
The scarcity of information that allows for understanding the importance of natural resources from an economic approach is often a limitation to establishing parameters related to environmental investment in conservation plans. This study proposes a methodology that allows for modeling the variability of [...] Read more.
The scarcity of information that allows for understanding the importance of natural resources from an economic approach is often a limitation to establishing parameters related to environmental investment in conservation plans. This study proposes a methodology that allows for modeling the variability of páramo land uses and the EV of the Chambo-Ecuador sub-basin from bioeconomic monitoring that links the economic rent of páramo land uses with remote sensing tools and geographic information systems. Multilayer Perception, Markov Chains, and Automata Cells algorithms were efficient for the detection of land uses in páramo; the normalized differential humidity index was the most relevant variable to identify crops, showing that leaf properties and water stress are linked to crop yields in the Andean region. The páramo decreased by 13% between 2000 and 2010, increasing its degradation to 19% between 2010 and 2020. A 28% reduction is expected between 2000 and 2030; the EV between 2000 and 2020 was $2.86 × 108 and $2.59 × 108 respectively. In 2030, EV is expected to decrease to $2.48 × 108. Transitions in land use and EV are associated with productive dynamics, which decrease environmental services, such as water retention and carbon storage, intensifying changes in the ecosystem climate. Full article
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20 pages, 3434 KB  
Article
Effects of Low-Severity Fire on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in an Andean Páramo in Southern Ecuador
by Vinicio Carrión-Paladines, Andreas Fries, María Belén Hinojosa, Andy Oña, Leticia Jiménez Álvarez, Ángel Benítez, Fausto López Rodríguez and Roberto García-Ruiz
Fire 2023, 6(12), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6120447 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4303
Abstract
The high Andean páramos (AnP) are unique ecosystems that harbor high biodiversity and provide important ecosystem services, such as water supply and regulation, as well as carbon sequestration. In southern Ecuador, this ecosystem is threatened by anthropogenic burning activities to create pastures and [...] Read more.
The high Andean páramos (AnP) are unique ecosystems that harbor high biodiversity and provide important ecosystem services, such as water supply and regulation, as well as carbon sequestration. In southern Ecuador, this ecosystem is threatened by anthropogenic burning activities to create pastures and agricultural land. However, knowledge of the effects of fire on soil properties and nutrient availability is still limited. This study conducted an experimental burn with different ignition patterns on an AnP plateau in southern Ecuador. Fire behavior (flame height, propagation speed, temperature reached on the soil), and fire severity were evaluated. In addition, soil samples were collected at 10 cm depth both 24 h and one year after the burns to measure the effects of fire on the main physico-chemical properties. The results indicate that the low severity of the experimental burns did not affect the physico-chemical properties of the soils, and therefore, soil quality was not altered. These results can help decision makers in the design of policies, regulations, and proposals for the conservation and environmental restoration of AnPs affected by wildfires in southern Ecuador. Full article
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13 pages, 920 KB  
Article
Contrary Perceptions of Environmental Health and the Governance of the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area, Colombia
by Alexander Rojas, Douglas Molina-Orjuela, Laura Peña-Rodríguez, Andrea Hernández-Quirama, Mauricio Rojas-Betancur, Claudia Amaya-Castellanos, Laura A. Rodríguez-Villamizar and Alvaro J. Idrovo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(19), 6838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20196838 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2170
Abstract
The participation of civil society is essential for environmental health policies to be accepted. The objective of this study was to know the perceptions of government officials, members of civil society, and academics about environmental health problems and its governance in the Bucaramanga [...] Read more.
The participation of civil society is essential for environmental health policies to be accepted. The objective of this study was to know the perceptions of government officials, members of civil society, and academics about environmental health problems and its governance in the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Area, Colombia. In the region, there is a strong citizens movement that defends the moorland ecosystem (páramo) as a source of drinking water for large-scale mining projects. A multi-method study was conducted, including the review of newspaper and scientific articles, a citizens survey, and interviews and focus groups with identified key stakeholders. The findings indicate that government officials prioritize their actions on issues related to air and water pollution and environmental education. In contrast, citizens prioritize water availability from the moorland ecosystem. There are some advances in the management of environmental health, mainly related to greater citizen awareness. Contrary perceptions among government officials, academics, and civil society prevent adequate prioritization of environmental health problems. Participation of civil society is absent in activities related to environmental governance. An ongoing citizens science experience engaging high school students and the academy can be the first meeting point with government officials in the pathway to improve the environmental governance in the territory. The participation of civil society in the environmental health governance must be enforced to broaden the issues of interest and prioritize the activities in short- and long-term policy planning. Full article
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21 pages, 2891 KB  
Article
Challenges Facing Andean Communities in the Protection of the Páramo in the Central Highlands of Ecuador
by María Cristina Torres, Efraín Naranjo and Vanessa Fierro
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511980 - 3 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2849
Abstract
In the rural parish of Salinas, located in the central highlands of Ecuador, most of the communities are settled in a páramo ecosystem, whose deterioration has become a concern since the beginning of the century. The scarcity of water that some communities have [...] Read more.
In the rural parish of Salinas, located in the central highlands of Ecuador, most of the communities are settled in a páramo ecosystem, whose deterioration has become a concern since the beginning of the century. The scarcity of water that some communities have experienced has led to a reconsideration of economic activities, as part of a community process that began 50 years ago, which has currently allowed them to overcome extreme poverty. This research aims to analyze the socio-technical reconfiguration process these communities have undergone in their new role as conservationists that has simultaneously ensured their livelihoods. The methodology applied is a qualitative approach based on a discourse analysis. The results indicate a process of applying social technology to protect the páramo. The availability of economic resources, a new mentality and the exercise of authority are key starting elements for the latter, and through strengthened organizations, permanent reflection, creativity, and the search for sustainability, the primary objective can be reached: the protection of the páramo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Ecological Systems Sustainability and Resilience)
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24 pages, 3999 KB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Description of the NDVI (MODIS) of the Ecuadorian Tussock Grasses and Its Link with the Hydrometeorological Variables and Global Climatic Indices
by Jhon Villarreal-Veloz, Xavier Zapata-Ríos, Karla Uvidia-Zambrano and Carla Borja-Escobar
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11562; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511562 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2311
Abstract
This study examined the changes in tussock grass greenness over 18 years (2001–2018) using NDVI data from 10 key areas of the Páramo ecosystem in the Ecuadorian Andes. In addition, the study investigated the influence of hydrometeorological variables (precipitation, soil temperature, and water [...] Read more.
This study examined the changes in tussock grass greenness over 18 years (2001–2018) using NDVI data from 10 key areas of the Páramo ecosystem in the Ecuadorian Andes. In addition, the study investigated the influence of hydrometeorological variables (precipitation, soil temperature, and water availability) and climatic indices (AAO, MEI, MJO, NAO, PDO, El Niño 1 + 2, 3, 3.4, and 4) on greenness dynamics. The spatial and temporal variations of NDVI were studied, applying several analysis and indicators, such as: the standard deviation, z-score anomalies, Sen slope, Mann–Kendall test, and time integrated-NDVI (TI-NDVI). Linear and multilinear correlations were used to evaluate the influence of hydrometeorological variables and climatic indices on the greenness of tussock. The findings of the study show that Páramo, located in the Inter-Andean valley above 2° S, is the most productive, followed by those located in the Royal Range (eastern cordillera). The anomalies and trends of NDVI on the Royal Range tended to be greening over time. NDVI showed a moderate multilinear correlation with precipitation and soil temperature, and a strong response to water availability. Finally, NDVI was weakly linearly related to the climatic indices, the most representative being the MJO, and slightly related to ENSO events. Understanding the regional and global-scale variables that control tussock grasses’ phenology will help to determine how present and future climate changes will impact this ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Detection and Application of Remote Sensing)
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19 pages, 3223 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Ecological Status of Fluvial Networks of Tropical Andean Catchments of Ecuador
by Henrietta Hampel, Raúl F. Vázquez, Hari González and Raúl Acosta
Water 2023, 15(9), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15091742 - 30 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3860
Abstract
In the tropical high mountains, human activities have strongly intensified in recent decades. Agricultural frontier movement toward higher elevations, river channel modifications, mining, and urban waste discharge threaten river ecosystem health, which is even more alarming when drinking water supply comes from surface [...] Read more.
In the tropical high mountains, human activities have strongly intensified in recent decades. Agricultural frontier movement toward higher elevations, river channel modifications, mining, and urban waste discharge threaten river ecosystem health, which is even more alarming when drinking water supply comes from surface water. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ecological status of high mountain fluvial networks of tropical Andean catchments based on the definition of different river types. Physical–chemical variables and macroinvertebrate communities were sampled in 90 stations of seven tropical high mountain catchments. River habitat and riparian vegetation quality were further evaluated. K-means classification, using physical and hydro-morphological characteristics, identified six different river types. This classification was further refined to five river types by the analyses of macroinvertebrate communities through multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity. The anthropogenic pressure gradients, present in the different river types, were inorganic (i.e., conductivity, turbidity), organic (i.e., fecal coliforms), river habitat, and riparian vegetation quality. Macroinvertebrate communities responded to different environmental variables in the páramo, mountain forest with humid shrub, urban, and Tarqui river types. Heterogeneous fluvial habitats and high altitude favored taxa such as Atanatolica, Mortoniella, Helicopsyche, Anacroneuria, Paltostoma, Helicopsyche, Paltostoma, Atopsyche, Pheneps, and Maruina. Chironomidae and Psychoda dipteran were associated with higher biochemical oxygen demand, lower oxygen concentration, high fecal coliforms, and total dissolved solids, while Haitia was linked to elevated nitrate concentrations. Integrated watershed management could benefit from a well-established biomonitoring network, considering different river types, which represents the natural variability of the ecosystems, as well as anthropogenic pressure gradients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Freshwater Invertebrate Ecology and Systematics)
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21 pages, 3254 KB  
Article
Occurrence Prediction of Riffle Beetles (Coleoptera: Elmidae) in a Tropical Andean Basin of Ecuador Using Species Distribution Models
by Gonzalo Sotomayor, Jorge Romero, Daniela Ballari, Raúl F. Vázquez, Iván Ramírez-Morales, Henrietta Hampel, Xavier Galarza, Bolívar Montesinos, Marie Anne Eurie Forio and Peter L. M. Goethals
Biology 2023, 12(3), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12030473 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3759
Abstract
Genera and species of Elmidae (riffle beetles) are sensitive to water pollution; however, in tropical freshwater ecosystems, their requirements regarding environmental factors need to be investigated. Species distribution models (SDMs) were established for five elmid genera in the Paute river basin (southern Ecuador) [...] Read more.
Genera and species of Elmidae (riffle beetles) are sensitive to water pollution; however, in tropical freshwater ecosystems, their requirements regarding environmental factors need to be investigated. Species distribution models (SDMs) were established for five elmid genera in the Paute river basin (southern Ecuador) using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm considering environmental variables, i.e., meteorology, land use, hydrology, and topography. Each RF-based model was trained and optimised using cross-validation. Environmental variables that explained most of the Elmidae spatial variability were land use (i.e., riparian vegetation alteration and presence/absence of canopy), precipitation, and topography, mainly elevation and slope. The highest probability of occurrence for elmids genera was predicted in streams located within well-preserved zones. Moreover, specific ecological niches were spatially predicted for each genus. Macrelmis was predicted in the lower and forested areas, with high precipitation levels, towards the Amazon basin. Austrelmis was predicted to be in the upper parts of the basin, i.e., páramo ecosystems, with an excellent level of conservation of their riparian ecosystems. Austrolimnius and Heterelmis were also predicted in the upper parts of the basin but in more widespread elevation ranges, in the Heterelmis case, and even in some areas with a medium level of anthropisation. Neoelmis was predicted to be in the mid-region of the study basin in high altitudinal streams with a high degree of meandering. The main findings of this research are likely to contribute significantly to local conservation and restoration efforts being implemented in the study basin and could be extrapolated to similar eco-hydrological systems. Full article
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19 pages, 2855 KB  
Article
Novel Yield Model of Pinus patula Schltdl. & Cham. Growth near the Ecological Limit in Northwestern Peruvian Andes
by Daigard Ricardo Ortega-Rodriguez, Andrea Hevia, Raúl Sánchez-Salguero, Santiago Bermudez Dobbertin, Jedi Rosero-Alvarado, Manuel Chavesta and Mario Tomazello-Filho
Forests 2022, 13(12), 2109; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13122109 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2398
Abstract
Forest plantations with exotic species in the northwestern Peruvian Andes have brought different ecosystem benefits. The wood productivity in this Páramo region is directly related to the great availability of water from abundant rainfall compared to other regions of the semi-arid Andes. To [...] Read more.
Forest plantations with exotic species in the northwestern Peruvian Andes have brought different ecosystem benefits. The wood productivity in this Páramo region is directly related to the great availability of water from abundant rainfall compared to other regions of the semi-arid Andes. To address the lack of information on forest inventories of plantations in the Páramo region, this study used annual growth rings (dendrochronology) to build new models of tree growth and wood productivity and compared 22-year-old Pinus patula plots with thinning and unthinning treatments. Our results show that late thinning, removing 63% of stem density in the 15th year, does not have significant effects on the diameter increase or stand-level productivity. For these plantations, we propose a management rotation of 21 years with a first thinning treatment (35%) at 5 years and a second thinning treatment (50%) at 12 years. Production at 21 years is expected to be between 194.6 m3 ha−1 and 504.6 m3 ha−1 for stands with low and high wood productivity, respectively. Tree-ring studies are potentially useful for monitoring forest plantations and provide an alternative method for forest managers who use allometric equations to predict silvicultural treatments and to propose management guides for plantations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Biometrics)
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11 pages, 2618 KB  
Article
Conservation of Soil Organic Carbon in the National Park Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, Boyacá-Colombia
by Hernán J. Andrade, Milena A. Segura and Diana S. Canal-Daza
Forests 2022, 13(8), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081275 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2369
Abstract
Protected areas are important zones for the conservation of strategic ecosystems that provide environmental services to human populations. The Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque (SFFI) (Boyacá, Colombia) preserves an important area of páramos and andean high-land forests that offer water and other [...] Read more.
Protected areas are important zones for the conservation of strategic ecosystems that provide environmental services to human populations. The Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque (SFFI) (Boyacá, Colombia) preserves an important area of páramos and andean high-land forests that offer water and other services. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was estimated at a depth of 0–30 cm in the four dominant land uses: (1) natural grasslands prevailingly without trees and shrubs (NSWT), (2) broad-leaved forests with continuous canopy, not on mire (BFCC), (3) open heathlands and moorlands (OMH), and (4) dense heathlands and moorlands (DMH). This classification is based on Corine Land Cover, adapted for Colombia. Land uses did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) in the SOC stock, with values of 139.0, 131.1; 101.1; and 83.0 Mg C/ha in OMH, BFCC, NSWT, and DMH, respectively. In total, SFFI retains 593 Gg C in that soil layer. Projections of effects caused by potential land use changes show that up to 461.0 Gg CO2 could be transferred to the atmosphere if this conservation area is not preserved. SFFI, due to its conservation strategies, allows storing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon and becomes an effective strategy of climate change mitigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems)
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18 pages, 2671 KB  
Article
Importance of Fog and Cloud Water Contributions to Soil Moisture in the Andean Páramo
by Gina Berrones, Patricio Crespo, Ana Ochoa-Sánchez, Bradford P. Wilcox and Rolando Célleri
Hydrology 2022, 9(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology9040054 - 26 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5221
Abstract
Páramos are particular ecosystems of the Tropical Andes, where fog and low-intensity rainfall such as drizzle are commonly frequent—but the contribution of these water sources to soil water replenishment and discharge is not yet clear, mainly because the development of techniques for separating [...] Read more.
Páramos are particular ecosystems of the Tropical Andes, where fog and low-intensity rainfall such as drizzle are commonly frequent—but the contribution of these water sources to soil water replenishment and discharge is not yet clear, mainly because the development of techniques for separating fog from drizzle and wind-driven rainfall has been challenging. Fog was measured with a cylindrical Juvik gauge and types of precipitation other than fog with a high-resolution disdrometer. Soil moisture was measured at 100 mm depth by means of Water Content Reflectometers, then Effective precipitation (EP) was calculated. We categorized events as two types: fog only (FO) and cloud water (CW). We found that in the case of FO events, only small amounts reached the soil (EP ranged between 0.1 and 0.2 mm); in contrast, greater amounts of EP originated from CW events (maximum value of 4.3 mm). Although we found that FO events are negligible for stream water contribution; they are ecologically important for maintaining high relative humidity, low net radiation, and consequently low evapotranspiration rates. Our research provides new insights into the hydrological role of fog, enabling us to better understand to what extent its input influences the water resources of the Andean páramo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecohydrology)
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