ABSTRACT
Use of the Acacia caven range. II. Tree influence on sorne environment parameters

Carlos Ovalle M.1, Julia Avendaño R.2
 

In a subhumid Mediterranean range, the effects of the Acacia caven canopy over some edafic and microclimatic parameters, were studied. The prevailing effect of the trees was the increase in the organic matter and nitrogen content of the soil under the canopy. Also, the tree canopy attenuates the extreme temperatures and decreasestheair evaporation demand; this means a higher water availability and less evapotranspiration for the herbaceous plants growing under the canopy. The relations between the ecological changes, caused by the trees, and the botanical composition and productivity of the range under it, are discussed.

Keywords:
1 Estación Experimental Quilamapu (INIA), Casilla 426,ChilIán. Chile.
2 Subestación Experimental Cauquenes (INIA), Casilla 165, Cauquenes, Chile.