Diversidad de comunidades vegetales en plantaciones forestales de Pino y Eucalipto en el Parque Metropolitano de Quito

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to characterize and compare plant diversity and the structure of natural regeneration under the canopies of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus in Guangüiltagua Metropolitan Park in the city of Quito. The results indicate that, while there are no statistically significant differences in species richness or overall floristic composition between the two plantations, a fundamental contrast was observed in the vertical structure. While the eucalyptus maintains incipient cover in the tree stratum, the Pinus radiata plantation showed a total absence of regeneration in this stratum. This characteristic underscores that the pine exerts a more rigorous biological filtering effect, attributable to high light interception and the accumulation of recalcitrant litter, seriously compromising the potential for ecological succession in the area. Therefore, it is recommended to implement differentiated silvicultural management plans, focused on reducing canopy density and mitigating pine exclusion mechanisms to facilitate ecological restoration.