Regeneration and Population Dynamics of Quercus rugosa at the Ajusco Volcano, Mexico

12.5 Conclusions

Several important implications for the reintroduction of oaks at the disturbed site emerge from these results. Planting acorns is not practical, as adequate burial of acorns and high-density sowing are not feasible in this substrate, and acorn desiccation and predation will limit seedling establishment. Seedling planting may prove to be more successful, especially if suitable microsites are carefully chosen. Seedlings should be placed under the canopy of shrubs which do not loose all their leaves during the dry season. Two-year old seedlings will have higher survival rates, and mortality may be further lowered if they are wire mesh-fenced during the dry season, to avoid herbivory and shoot loss from small mammals. Also, in case of a long and harsh dry season, they should be watered.

These protective measures are probably needed for only 2–3 years after seedling planting. Subsequently, shade from nurse plants should be removed, as saplings and young trees attain higher growth rates under more open conditions. Overall, the tree population may recover over a period of 30–50 years, when transplanted trees reproduce steadily and the population is able to develop without further assistance from forest managers.