Different Approaches of Forest Type Classifications for Argentina Based on Functional Forests and Canopy Cover Composition by Tree Species

Abstract

Modern forestry systems rely on typologies of forest types (FTs). In Argentina, severalproposals have been developed, but they lack unified criteria. The objective was to compare differentapproaches, specifically focusing on (i) phenoclusters (functional forests based on vegetation phenologyvariations and climate variables) and (ii) forest canopy cover composition by tree species.We conducted comparative uni-variate analyses using data from national forest inventories, forestmodels (biodiversity, carbon, structure), and regional climate. We assessed the performance of phenoclustersin differentiating the variability of native forests (proxy: forest structure), biodiversity(proxy: indicator species), and environmental factors (proxies: soil carbon stock, elevation, climate).Additionally, we proposed a simple FT classification methodology based on species composition,considering the basal area of tree species. Finally, we compared the performance of both proposals.Our findings showed that classifications based on forest canopy cover composition are feasible toimplement in regions dominated by mono-specific forests. However, phenoclusters allowed for theincreased complexity of categories at the landscape level. Conversely, in regions where multi-specificstands prevailed, classifications based on forest canopy cover composition proved ineffective; however,phenoclusters facilitated a reduction in complexity at the landscape level. These results offera pathway to harmonize national FT classifications by employing criteria and indicators to achievesustainable forest management and conservation initiatives.