Tree Assemblages in Agroforestry Systems with Different Intensity of Management in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

The potential of agroforestry systems (AFS) to conserve biological diversity is widely recognized. There are abundant reports about how tree cover complexity within AFS is related to the abundance of several taxa, but there is scant information regarding how this complexity is related to management intensification. Shade-tree abundance and richness of 15 plots (20 x 50 m) were surveyed with the aim to understand how tree assemblage changes in farms under different management conditions, within a cloud forest formerly zone, which changed to coffee plantations approximately 200 years ago. There was a total of 178 tree individuals, included in 17 families, 24 genera and 33 species. Fabaceae family overcame with 11 species, reaching 60% of the total abundance. Inga was the most common genus with six species. Tree species assemblage within coffee-ASF is highly related to farmers´ decisions regarding productivity, whilst tree cover is kept. This is a positive fact in order to conserve biodiversity and supply ecosystem services.