Survival, growth and photosynthesis analysis of native forest species established in the tropical dry forest in Antioquia, Colombia

The tropical dry forest (TDF) is one of the most affected ecosystems by anthropic activities in the world; so, it is necessary to study the dynamics of its ecosystem in order to restore it. With the aim of determining the survival, development, and photosynthetic behaviors of forest species at a young age, a field study was performed using three species Cedrela odorata L. (Spanish cedar), Pachira quinata (Jacq.) W.S. Alverson (red ceiba) and Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb. (balsa) species. Field data were collected in different periods whose climatic conditions were: dry period (S.0), first rainy period (Ll.1), first dry period (S.1), second rainy period (Ll. 2), and second dry period (S.2). The total height (H) and the root collar diameter (RCD) were measured repeatedly, and two harvests were made to measure dry weight. Besides, photosynthetic performance and its effect on the species development species during three contrasting rainfall periods was evaluated by measuring photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular carbon (Cint), net photosynthesis (NP), transpiration (trans), efficient water use (EWU) and efficient light use (ELU) from 8:00 and 17:00 h during the day. Analysis of variance was performed obtaining significant differences (P