Stand development patterns as a consequence of the mortality in Austrocedrus chilensis forests

摘要: Abstract The forests of Austrocedrus chilensis (D. Don) Pic. Sern. et Bizarri in Argentina suffer decline and mortality throughout their natural distribution known as ‘ mal del cipres ’. While several aspects this, to date, temporally unpredictable process overstory tree have been the focus detailed studies, there has little research on growth stand dynamics symptomatic nor development patterns prediction future structure. We studied 12 stands northern Patagonia (Province Rio Negro) using reconstruction studies examine changes structure over time a consequence implications these structural establishment residual overstory. Dendrochronological analyses were used reconstruct time, study past diameter patterns. Mortality A. was variable among stands. As expected, led successful trees understory all stands; however, response variable. Understory low some high others depending density almost released after onset mortality, pattern not distinctive, varying number magnitude. In stands, releases occurred single or multiple deaths suggesting relationship between processes, while this case. Even when recruitment varied greatly examined together, general emerged. This is first intensively explore affected by Additionally, showed that arbitrarily categorizing disturbances discrete chronic masks true release growing space resulting dynamics.