Tropical Forest Succession on Newly Created Substrates

This chapter examines how tropical forests around the world become established on substrates lacking soil, a process known as primary successsion. These disturbances, such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, and riverbank flooding have always been present in the environment of tropical forests. Many pioneer species that colonize early stages of primary succession also play a major role in early stages of secondary succession following forest clearance by human activities. Enrichment of soil by early colonists facilitates establishment of more nutrient-demanding species. During primary and secondary succession regeneration pathways are determined by species availability and resource availability. Facilitation is a key aspect of early colonization during primary succession. Early colonists require nitrogen-fixing capabilities that permit growth on nutrient-poor substrates. Forest succession on newly created substrates is slower than secondary successional pathways. Forest structure can recover rapidly, as observed following the eruption of Krakatau in 1883.