Journal Articles
Sesbania sesban improved fallows in eastern Zambia: Their inception, development and farmer enthusiasmBackgroundIn eastern Zambia, nitrogen deficiency is a major limiting factor for increased food production. Soil fertility has been declining because of nearly continuous maize (Zea mays) cultivation with little or no nutrient inputs. The use of short-duration tree fallows was one of several agroforestry options hypothesized to restore soil fertility. This study reports on long-term trials with Sesbania sesban in field station and farm trials. Open access copy available |
Participatory Domestication of Agroforestry Trees: An Example from the Peruvian AmazonbackgroundThis paper describes a program through the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) to work with farming communities to domesticate native tree species for use in agroforestry and the conservation of tree diversity in their forests. Open access copy available |
Effect of Prior Land Use on the Recolonization of Native Woody Species under Plantation Forests in the Highlands of EthiopiabackgroundThis study analyzes the recolonization of native woody species in 16-18 year old plantation forests (Eucalyptus saligna and Cupressus lusitanica) in the highlands of Ethiopia. Goals & MethodsEffects of recolonization were evaluated through assessing naturally regenerating flora (NRF) and soil seed banks (SSB) in plantation forests established on abandoned farmland and cleared natural forest sites. About 66 plant species were recorded in the NRF and 55 plant species germinated from the soil samples collected for SSB analysis. Available with subscription or purchase |
Management of sedimentation in tropical watershedsBackgroundThe sedimentation of reservoirs is a serious problem throughout the tropics, yet most attempts to control sedimentation in large river basins have not been very successful. Reliable information on erosion rates and sources of sediments has been lacking. This paper discusses some of the limitations in estimating erosion and sedimentation and encourages development of specific sediment budgets in order to extrapolate equations and generate management procedures. Available with subscription or purchase |
Cost-Effectiveness of Dryland Forest Restoration Evaluated by Spatial Analysis of Ecosystem ServicesbackgroundThis study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of dryland forest restoration through a comparative analysis of four study areas in Latin America. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors model multiple ecosystem services to estimate costs and benefits of restoring dryland forests under a range of economic valuation conditions. Open access copy available |
Hydrological Functions of Tropical Forests: Not Seeing the Soil for the trees?backgroundThis literature review provides a summary of hydrological functions in tropical forests and includes differences in the hydrology of disturbed areas, secondary forests, and mature forests. Available with subscription or purchase |
Exploiting the Potential of Indigenous Agroforestry Trees: Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa in Sub-Saharan AfricabackgroundThis article reviews the agroforestry potential of two native African savanna trees, Parkia biglobosa (locust bean) and Vitellaria paradoxa (shea). Available with subscription or purchase |
Karité (Vitellaria paradoxa) and Néré (Parkia biglobosa) associated with Crops in South MalibackgroundThis study analyzes the growing conditions of agricultural crops (cotton, sorghum, and pearl millet) under the common African savanna agroforestry trees Parkia biglobosa (karité) and Vitellaria paradoxa (néré), the source of the cosmetic product shea butter. Available with subscription or purchase |
Uses, Management, and Economic Potential of Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae) in the Humid Lowlands of CameroonbackgroundThis article discusses the economic potential of a African rainforest fruit tree, Dacryodes edulis. The fruit is locally consumed and traded, in addition to its household value for oil and medicinal bark. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effect of Reforestation using Tectona grandis on Infiltration and Soil Water RetentionBackgroundIn this study, researchers examine the effect of teak (Tectona grandis) reforestation on soil infiltration and water retention in Sri Lanka. They compare the reforested site (12 years after planting) with a corn field and an abandoned pasture dominated by Imperata cylindrica grass. Available with subscription or purchase |
