Winners and Losers in Reforestation Efforts in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and the Predictive Power of Xylem Anatomy on Long-Term Growth and Survival

Author

Clifton F. Albrecht, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Bradley Christoffersen

Second Advisor

Dr. Engil Pereira

Third Advisor

Dr. Andrew McDonald

Abstract

Reforestation has been ongoing in the Lower Rio Grande Valley annually since the 1980s, and to date over 6400 ha of land has been reforested in this area. However, there has been little subsequent study of the change and development of those forests as they mature. This thesis consists of two, interrelated, studies: (1) surveys of a five-site chronosequence of restored forests and (2) quantification of xylem anatomical traits of a subset of species present at the reforestation sites. Surveys showed a consistent reduction in species diversity and stem number density on the landscape, and identified a suite of species which predictably persist or increase on the landscape. Analysis of xylem anatomical results are ongoing.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Clifton F. Albrecht. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/winners-losers-reforestation-efforts-lower-rio/docview/2564512738/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Albrecht, Clifton F., "Winners and Losers in Reforestation Efforts in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and the Predictive Power of Xylem Anatomy on Long-Term Growth and Survival" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 813.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/813