Journal Articles
Seed Dispersal Distances and Plant Migration Potential in Tropical East AsiaBackgroundMost predictions of vegetation responses to anthropogenic climate change over the next century are based on plant physiological tolerances and do not account for the ability of plant species to migrate over the distances required in the time available, or the impact of habitat fragmentation on this ability. This review assesses the maximum routine dispersal distances achievable in tropical East Asia and their vulnerability to human impacts. Available with subscription or purchase |
Agroforestry for Ecosystem Services and Environmental Benefits: An OverviewbackgroundThis article reviews research on the ecosystem services and environmental benefits of agroforestry, focusing on the following: 1) carbon sequestration, 2) biodiversity conservation, 3) soil enrichment, and 4) air and water quality. Open access copy available |
Carbon sequestration in tropical agroforestry systemsBackgroundAgricultural lands are considered to be a major potential carbon sink, especially if trees are re-integrated with crops and/or animal agriculture. However, agroforestry systems are very diverse and are frequently used in small-scale settings, presenting challenges to carbon sequestration estimates. Available with subscription or purchase |
Performance of forest plantations in small and medium-sized farms in the Atlantic lowlands of Costa RicaBackgroundWhile exotic trees are typically used in plantations throughout the tropics, there has been recognition that certain native species are also suitable. This study aims to compare the viability of both native and exotic tree species for plantation use. Open access copy available |
Applying Indigenous Knowledge to the Restoration of Degraded Tropical Rain Forest Clearings Dominated by Bracken FernbackgroundThe indigenous Lacandon Maya people of southern Mexico use a rotational agriculture system known in Spanish as the milpa for production of maize and other crops. This system rotates production to different plots, allowing the forest and soil to recover in the fallow years between production periods. In some cases, the Lacandon people actively manage forest recovery, sowing Balsa trees to prevent plots from being taken over by the invasive Bracken fern. Available with subscription or purchase |
Creative Ecology: Restoration of Native Forests by Native TreesbackgroundThis article describes how the "native forests by native trees" restoration method used in Japan was applied to reforestation in Malaysia, and later in Brazil, Chile, and parts of China. Open access copy available |
Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria: A Potential Tool for Arid Mangrove ReforestationbackgroundMicrobes (bacteria and fungi) play a crucial role in nutrient recycling in mangrove systems, which are nutrient deficient. Microbes make nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorous, available to mangroves, while mangroves may improve soil conditions for microbes (for example, by oxidizing the soil). PGPB may be nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, mineral uptake enhancers, and phytopathogen controllers. Available with subscription or purchase |
Emerging Threats and Opportunities for Large-Scale Ecological Restoration in the Atlantic Forest of BrazilbackgroundThis article presents a policy model known as the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact (AFRP) and discusses the vital role the Brazilian Forest Act and other legislation has played in preventing deforestation and encouraging reforestation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoring abandoned pasture land with native tree species in Costa Rica: Effects of exotic grass competition and lightBackgroundUnderstanding the early establishment requirements and performance of tropical tree seedlings is essential to ensuring the success of restoration plantings. This study characterizes growth and light requirements of six common neotropical tree species: Pseudosamanea guachapele (Fabaceae), Tabebuia impetiginosa (Bignoniaceae), Ceiba pentandra (Bombacaceae), Pachira quinata (Bombacaceae), Dalbergia retusa (Fabaceae), and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae). Available with subscription or purchase |
New Options for Land Rehabilitation and Landscape Ecology in Southeast Asia by "Rainforestation Farming"backgroundThe authors describe a methodology for reforestation called "Rainforestation Farming" developed in the Philippines in the 1990s to restore forest cover on degraded lands covered with Imperata cylindrica grass in the Visayas region Available with subscription or purchase |
