Journal Articles
Tree planting by small producers in the tropics: A comparative study of Brazil and PanamaBackgroundForest regrowth is a widespread phenomenon across the tropical forest latitudes. Such reforestation takes place in the wake of land abandonment, occurs cyclically in a rotational agricultural system, and may result from the deliberate planting of trees by farmers. Although less extensive than successional forest regeneration, tree planting by small farmers can have potentially important environmental impacts at both the site and global scale. Open access copy available |
Human Ecological Questions for Tropical Restoration: Experiences from Planting Native Upland Trees and Mangroves in the PhilippinesBackgroundThis article evaluates the human ecology of reforestation in the Philippines under the Bais Bay Development Action Program. Reforestation is considered in upland riparian as well as coastal mangrove areas. Open access copy available |
Methods of Facilitating Reforestation of Tropical Degraded Land with the Native Timber Tree, Terminalia amazoniabackgroundIn tropical dry regions, like Costa Rica, it is critical to reforest degraded farms in order to reduce erosion and increase soil fertility. This paper explores the results of an 8-year long experiment in Southern Costa Rica that sought to identify ways to reforest such land economically. Available with subscription or purchase |
Species-Specific Tree Water Use Characteristics in Reforestation Stands in the PhilippinesBackgroundThe need for reforestation is becoming increasingly evident in countries like the Philippines where deforestation has lead to a scarcity of wood and other forest commodities. One concern with reforestation is the reduction in streamflow and groundwater recharge as trees move water from the ground into the atmosphere. Research Goals & MethodsThis study seeks to investigate the sap flux responses and tree water use in two 12-year-old multi-species stands. Available with subscription or purchase |
Determinants for Successful Reforestation of Abandoned Pastures in the Andes: Soil Conditions and Vegetation CoverBackgroundThis article compares the growth of native and exotic species seedlings planted in abandoned pasture and among brachen ferns and shrubs in Andean Ecuador over three years. Research Goals & MethodsThe species (native: Alnus acuminata, Cedrela montana, Juglans neotropica, Heliocarpus americanus, Tabebuia chrysantha, exotic: Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna) were planted in a block design in the different successional stages and in plots with and without above-ground weeding. Available with subscription or purchase |
Soil compaction and topsoil removal effects on soil properties and seedling growth in Amazonian EcuadorBackgroundSoil properties affect plant growth including during germination and establishment. Topsoil loss, nutrient loss, and compaction due to industrial activity in forest may impact forest regeneration. This study reports on soil properties and seedling growth following topsoil removal in Amazonian Ecuador. Available with subscription or purchase |
Regeneration of Native Plant Species in Restored Forests on Degraded Lands in SingaporebackgroundThis article presents the natural regeneration of woody species in the understory of 1 year-old and 4-year old plantation in Singapore. Research Goals & MethodsAlthough the the site was cleared, except for remnant trees,before planting, the rootmatt of the fern Dicranopteris was left in the plots. One plot within each site had the rootmat manually removed. Regeneration of species greater than 10 cm in length were counted and identified. Available with subscription or purchase |
Biomass Distribution Among Tropical Tree Species Grown Under Differing Regional ClimatesbackgroundThis study presents results from species selection trials in Panama as part of the PRORENA project, which examined the most effective species and methods for Panamanian government-supported reforestation projects. research goal & methodsIn 2003, 16 native and 2 exotic species were planted in single-species plots with a 3m x 3m spacing of trees at two different sites (one seasonally wet, one more dry). All plots were thinned to 50% of their original density at two years after plantation establishment, and the thinned trees were measured for biomass and biomass partitioning. Open access copy available |
Linking Multiple-Level Tree Traits with Biomass Accumulation in Native Tree Species used for Reforestation in PanamabackgroundThis research presents the links between biomass accumulation, plant traits, and functional groups for five native species in abandoned pasture of central Panama. Open access copy available |
Profiles of Carbon Stocks in Forest, Reforestation and Agricultural Land, Northern ThailandbackgroundThis study evaluates the difference in above-ground and below-ground carbon stock between forest, reforestation, and agricultural land in northern Thailand. Available with subscription or purchase |