Evaluation of tree diversity of native species in silvopastoral systems in the northwestern Amazon region

Abstract

In the Peruvian Amazon, 70 % of deforested forests are used for grazing, where inadequate management leads to overgrazing, soil compaction, and degradation. Silvopastoral systems (SPS) represent a sustainable alternative by integrating native trees with livestock production, promoting biodiversity and ecological stability. This study evaluated the diversity and ecology of native species in SPS in the Amazon region through a systematic sampling in 10 points. The importance value index (IVI), diversity (index Shannon, index Simpson, index Dominance, and Margalef´s index), and floristic similarity (Sørensen's index) were analyzed. Twenty-eight species belonging to 23 families were identified, with Nectandra sp. and Myrsine coriacea standing out for their abundance and distribution. Most individuals present diameters between 10 and 20 cm, indicating a community in its juvenile stage. In addition, Myrcianthes sp. and Podocarpus glomeratus favor phosphorus fixation, Ficus sp. improves potassium availability, and Alnus acuminata and Inga adenophylla contribute to soil alkalinization. These findings highlight the role of SPS in ecological resilience and biodiversity conservation, promoting their integration into sustainable livestock strategies that optimize productivity without compromising ecosystem stability.