Fruits were then ground and analyzed for organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Forest management for the palm Euterpe oleracea simplifies forest structure, lowering canopy height, canopy density, stem density, and basal area. These vegetation changes impact the understory bird community. Furthermore, harvest of all available ripe fruit results in declines in frugivorous bird species diversity, abundance, and time spent foraging. Such results can be incorporated into management plans to limit harvest at levels that also maintain animal communities.
Initial results reveal rapid, significant loss of nutrients.
With up to 9,000 kg fruit produced per hectare per year, falling fruits likely contribute a significant pulse of nutrients to the flooded forest. Moreover, the harvest of those fruit by people likely reduces this contribution.