Composition and Structure of Tree Species in Twelve Plots Within Agroforestry Systems in the Amazonas Department, Peru

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Authors: Jaqueline Zuta Lopez, Rosalynn Y. Rivera, Elver Coronel Castro, Nixon Haro, Gerson Meza-Mori, Oscar Gamarra, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Carlos A. Amasifuen Guerra, J.D. Giacomotti, Elí Pariente
Cited by: 2
References: 24

Abstract

Globally, coffee-based agroforestry systems are recognized for their capacity to integrate agricultural production with biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical landscapes under intense anthropogenic pressure. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding floristic composition, arboreal structure, and the ecological importance of woody species in Andean agroforestry systems of the Peruvian Amazon, especially along altitudinal gradients. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity, floristic composition, arboreal structure, and ecological value of woody species in coffee-based agroforestry systems in the Department of Amazonas, Peru. Forest inventories were conducted in twelve one-hectare plots, recording dasometric variables, estimating diversity indices, analyzing floristic affinity, and calculating the Importance Value Index of species. A total of 57 tree species belonging to 41 genera and 25 families were recorded, with moderate diversity levels and a marked dominance of species from the Fabaceae family. The structure showed a predominance of young individuals, concentrated in low and intermediate diameter and height classes, and a moderate shade cover suitable for coffee cultivation. The species with the highest ecological and productive value were Pinus tecunumanii, Colubrina glandulosa, Clitoria juninensis, Inga edulis, and Inga mendozana, which perform key functions related to shade provision and soil fertility. These results are transferable to other coffee agroforestry systems in tropical montane regions and provide relevant evidence for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and productive optimization, issues of international interest in the agricultural and agroforestry sectors.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems Coffee research and impacts

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Plant Biology
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
17
Issue
2
Pages
12–12
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN