Contributions of Leguminosae to young and old stands of neotropical forests under different environmental conditions

Potentially nodulating Leguminosae species had high density and biomass in young stands of forests Northeast Brazil, except a dry forest on low-fertility soil. species, especially potentially ones, appear to be important components tropical secondary forests, although information is still scarce concerning their contributions richness under different environmental conditions. To evaluate the contribution aboveground old six sites, with climate soil conditions, northeastern Brazil. The plants was estimated using allometric equations ten plots one stand each site. were separated into non-nodulating based literature. Leguminosae, mainly displayed largest number among all families stands. There more similarity composition between than humid forests. Nodulating make considerable initial successional stages Brazil — confirming importance family for natural regeneration, environments.