Conservation and pasture value of remnant trees in a tropical agroecosystem

摘要: CONSERVATION AND PASTURE VALUE OF REMNANT TREES IN A TROPICAL AGROECOSYSTEM by Ariel N. Rivers Deforestation is continuing at a rapid rate in Central America, contributing to loss of forest habitat and threatening many endemic species. In Matiguas, Nicaragua, as little 10% the original reserves remain, with cattle pastures now dominating once forested landscape. The open provide for wildlife limit corridors animal migration between remaining fragments region. Remnant pasture trees have potential conserve biodiversity landscape level, however, farmers prefer remove fear that shade will negatively affect grasses, thus reduce available forage. order test hypotheses farmers, this study establishes quantifiable relationship grasses three tree species—Albizia saman, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Guazuma ulmifolia—between months February May 2008. Several characteristics were measured related productivity arthropod communities below within pasture, General Linear Model Wilcoxon signed rank used compare data. Results indicate not impacted trees, individual species both differently. findings can guidance planning environmentally focused silvopastoral systems guide future research efforts. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This thesis would been possible without very long list people, whom I owe an immense amount gratitude. First foremost, like thank my committee, Dr. Rachel O'Malley, Fabrice DeClerck, Lynne Trulio, each imparted great deal indispensible support throughout completion thesis. also College Social Sciences Department Environmental Studies San Jose State University, Center Research Teaching Tropical Agriculture (CATIE) Costa Rica providing much needed, greatly appreciated, financial equipment. collaboration producers Nicaragua. admiration appreciation Trinidad Lanzas Flores, Isidro de Jesus Leon Jarquin, Juan Jarquin Robles, Tomas Soza Morales. am especially thankful having opportunity work only use his incredible farm, but silly dog he brought into life. fortunate met amazing network people thanks process, all improved life deal. assistance received while was Nicaragua from Marlon Lopez, Hamilton Tinoco Nunez, Omar Aburto Borge, Jackie Mellin, Lenin Sanchez, Nunez family, contributed experience which incredibly appreciative. To name during those six next impossible; however never forget contributions they made path. Finally, family friends, overall successful My parents supportive education, physically emotionally, continual pride take efforts unending source motivation. set siblings gratitude their presence time indescribable.