Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 80 (2): 201-211, 2007
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Edaphic and topographic variability in Nothofagus betuloides (Mirb) Blume forests,
in southwestern Tierra del Fuego, Chile
We examined the topographic and edaphic variability of sites dominated by
Nothofagus betuloides and associated tree species in southwestern Tierra del Fuego. Edaphic and topographic
characteristics were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. The relationships between soil and topography were
strongly related to climatic characteristics (temperature and humidity) of different sites. Soils with the highest degree of fertility, deep
and well drained, were located at the lowest elevations (< 150-200 m) and had gentle slopes (< 5 %). Pure forests of N.
betuloides occurred in a wide topographic range with high soil variation. The different associations of N. betuloides,
with the species N. pumilio, N. antarctica and Drimys winteri, occupy more specific
site conditions. Nothofagus betuloides – N. pumilio occurred mostly in the most favorable sites with fertile
soils. Nothofagus betuloides - N. antarctica occurred at higher elevations, and steeper slopes, characterized
by very thin soils. Nothofagus betuloides - D. winteri occurred in coastal lowlands, with greater humidity and
heavier rainfall, and deep soils with limited drainage.
Key words:
soils, topography,
Nothofagus betuloides, Nothofagus pumilio, Tierra del Fuego
