Carbon stock recovery from tree regeneration following selective logging in tropical forest of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Selective logging in the tropics results carbon emissions but also creates favourable environmental conditions for regeneration of tree species and recovery. We evaluate recovery biomass selectively logged forests impacted by timber harvesting on Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Fieldwork was conducted two annual cutting areas 2001 2009. Plots were established felling, skidding log landing sites. Regeneration functional groups characterized their growth, light demand, use, rates assessed. 68 54 genera 27 families found. Of these, 50% corresponded to marketable species. There a greater presence light-demanding seedlings both areas. Carbon five thirteen years after 50.6 Mg ha−1 62.7 ha−1, respectively, reflecting an gain 1.51 ha−1. Felling sites presented highest diversity contained quantity trees >5 cm DBH proportion shade-tolerant species, providing variety future crop trees. Low intensity practices that reduce impacts can result successful forest carbon.