Cost-efficiency analysis of seedling introduction vs. direct seeding of Oreomunnea mexicana for secondary forest enrichment

摘要: Abstract Among recovery strategies for secondary and degraded tropical forests, the introduction of tree species is one most commonly used. This achieved particularly through planting nursery-grown seedlings (i.e. seedling introduction). Another less common technique, but that could prove efficient, sowing seeds direct seeding) in forest floor. However, very few comparisons have been made literature terms ecological economic costs benefits between these two techniques. study presents a cost-efficiency analysis Oreomunnea mexicana (a threatened Mexico) Tropical Montane Cloud Forest central Veracruz, evaluating (1) performance derived from each practices, (2) relationship their with environmental variables at microsite level, (3) practice. At end experiment, survival was higher than direct-seeded (97% vs. 22%, respectively); however, relative growth rate height lower planted emerged (0.02 ± 0.002 0.03 ± 0.002 cm cm−1 month−1). Relative diameter similar introduced by either technique. No predation or registered. The revealed that, considering production plantation, introducing almost times more expensive compared to seeding. Results suggest this feasible combined practices depending upon life stage plant conditions microsite. Improvements techniques, such as protection seed plumules, confer even greater advantages O. forests.