Biotic and abiotic filtering on plant regeneration in the Tropical Dry Forest of Southern Ecuador

Seedling recruitment is a crucial step for plant regeneration. Germination, seedling growth and survival are determined by several abiotic and biotic filters, such as water, light or litter. Species-specific functional traits, such as seed size, can shape species’ responses to these filters. To understand the assembly of plant communities and the recolonization of disturbed habitats, it is essential to comprehend how plant functional traits shape seedling recruitment under different environmental conditions. In our study we asses, how abiotic and biotic filters shape seedling recruitment in a tropical dry forest in Southern Ecuador. Tropical dry forests are of special interest, as these highly specialized ecosystems only occur in small areas and are strongly affected by human activities. Data was collected on the regeneration of native tree species in the Tropical Dry Forest in Southern Ecuador within the Laipuna Reserve. Plots were distributed evenly between forest and pastures, as well as the two elevations 600m asl and 1200m asl, resulting in 12 plots in total. Plant regeneration was assessed on these plots via 1) an experimental approach were 8 native tree species were sown and treated with a shade application, litter removal and combination -treatment. Seedling growth and performance was measured every 3 to 4 months for 1 year in total, 2) a natural recruitment approach, where sub plots were cleared in the beginning and seedling growth and survival was then monitored every 3 to 4 months throughout 1 year.