Comparative study of floristic diversity in original and reforested woods of Pinus sylvestris L. in the Guadarrama mountains (Sistema Central Range)

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to analyse the ecological consequences of reforestation with Scots pine from a botanical standpoint. We also attempt to provide valuable information to be used in forest management and restoration based upon criteria of sustainability. Using the available information, we accurately demarcated the natural and reforested woods of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the Guadarrama mountains. We designed a sampling device taking into consideration both types of populations in order to study the floristic and structural diversity thereof. This paper provides the results of a comparative study of the floristic composition of both types of forests, which would appear to indicate greater global systematic diversity of the natural pine forests and a higher degree of structural complexity.