The influence of topography on tree growth, mortality, and recruitment in a tropical montane forest

To determine if there were consistent differences in growth, mortality and recruitment on slopes and ridge crests in tropical montane forests, which c ould explain the (frequent but not universal) low stature of trees in the r idgetop Forests, we analyzed data from long-term plots in Jamaica (1990-199 4; sixteen 200-m(2) plots, six on ridge crests and five each on north and s outh slopes). Mortality was higher on north slopes, while growth and recrui tment rates were not significantly different among positions. Soil pH and e ffects of recent disturbance by Hurricane Gilbert were positively correlate d with growth and recruitment, while slope angle and disturbance effects we re the best predictors of mortality The patterns we found in Jamaica, that growth and recruitment were not higher on ridge crests than slopes, are dif ferent than those found by Herwitz and Young in Australia where growth and turnover were greater on a ridge crest. Therefore, it is not possible at pr esent to make simple generalizations about dynamics of ridge crest versus s lope forests in the montane tropics.