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

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Plant Biology
Published
2026-02-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb17020012
Primary Topic
Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
Type
article
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article

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

Gerson Meza-Mori, J.D. Giacomotti, Nixon Haro, Rosalynn Y. Rivera et al.
International Journal of Plant Biology
Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
article

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

Gerson Meza-Mori, J.D. Giacomotti, Nixon Haro, Rosalynn Y. Rivera, Jaqueline Zuta Lopez, Carlos A. Amasifuen Guerra, Oscar Gamarra, Elver Coronel Castro, Manuel Oliva-Cruz, Elí Pariente
article en

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.

International Journal of Plant BiologyVol. 17(2)
National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (PE), Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (PE)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 53%
Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
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