General Abiotic Components
Climate While seasonal changes in rainfall are less drastic in wetter forests (or sometimes absurdly extreme), dry period patterns are highly influenced by latitude. Areas closer to the equator tend to have least severe dry periods. [3]. The many different types of dry forest are defined by yearly rainfall amounts, as well as the seasonal patterns of rainfall. It is proposed that variation in annual precipitation amounts has a significant effect on ecosystems that possess biotic elements on the edge of their moisture level tolerance. Years that show extreme conditions regarding water stress (a usual cause of death of trees) have the greatest effect on characteristics of dry forests, including function, structure, and composition. [3]. |
Soil
Approximately 50% of all dry forests in the world are located in soils that are poor in nutrients. Nutrient supply may be dependent upon water availability, rates of decomposition, and even the characteristics of humus. Soil in dry forests tends to be low in water content, and so many species are adapted to low soil water availability. It was exhibited in Mexico that once fertilizer was applied in increased amounts (therefore increasing nitrogen and phosphorus levels), seedling survival and species richness experienced an increase.
[1].
Approximately 50% of all dry forests in the world are located in soils that are poor in nutrients. Nutrient supply may be dependent upon water availability, rates of decomposition, and even the characteristics of humus. Soil in dry forests tends to be low in water content, and so many species are adapted to low soil water availability. It was exhibited in Mexico that once fertilizer was applied in increased amounts (therefore increasing nitrogen and phosphorus levels), seedling survival and species richness experienced an increase.
[1].