Research Article
Consequences of plantation harvest during tropical forest restoration in UgandaBackgroundTimber plantations have recently received considerable attention as a forest restoration strategy for heavily degraded lands in the humid tropics. Plantations can facilitate secondary forest regrowth by providing an understory environment more favorable for native plant recruitment than unmanaged degraded habitats. This study explores how using plantations as a restoration tool affects forest succession; how initial floristics affect successional pathways; and the effect of fire exclusion or other interventions. Open access copy available |
Impact of Exotic Plantations and Harvesting Methods on the Regeneration of Indigenous Tree Species in Kibale Forest, UgandabackgroundIn the late 1960s and early 1970s, exotic tree plantations were established in hilltop grassland sites of the Kibale Forest Reserve. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, many of these sites were selected for logging to encourage growth of native trees. Research Goals & MethodsThis study assesses the impact of both pitsawing and sawmilling of exotic species plantations on the colonization and regeneration of indigenous species. Tree enumeration was conducted within plots representing the different plantation types and harvesting methods in order to determine indigenous species richness and diversity. Available with subscription or purchase |
Tree biodiversity in farmer cooperatives of a shade coffee landscape in western El SalvadorbackgroundConservation of tropical biodiversity in agricultural landscapes has become more important as the area covered by natural ecosystems decreases. Understanding the types of biodiversity common in agriculturally managed lands, and involving farmers in conservation planning, is important for regional conservation goals. Available with subscription or purchase |
Cattle and Weedy Shrubs as Restoration Tools of Tropical Montane RainforestbackgroundIn abandoned Latin American pastures, grasses often inhibit the establishment of woody species. This study tests the effect of cattle grazing on woody and herbaceous vegetation establishment in pastures of P. clandestinum and M. minutiflora. Available with subscription or purchase |
Forest Regeneration in a Chronosequence of Tropical Abandoned Pastures: Implications for Restoration EcologyBackgroundDuring the mid‐1900s, most of the island of Puerto Rico was deforested, but a shift in the economy from agriculture to small industry beginning in the 1950s resulted in the abandonment of agricultural lands and recovery of secondary forest. This research examines the natural regeneration patterns on these abandoned agricultural lands in four different regions of Puerto Rico. Available with subscription or purchase |
Environmental Services of Native Tree Plantations and Agroforestry Systems in Central AmericaBackgroundPlantations and agroforestry systems supply wood and environmental services such as carbon sequestration and recovery of biodiversity. At the time of writing (2004), Central American countries were developing systems of payments for environmental services to encourage the development of these systems. Available with subscription or purchase |
A Case Study Assessment of Agroforestry: The Panama Canal WatershedbackgroundThis article provides a qualitative assessment of three agroforestry sites in the Panama Canal watershed based on management objectives, project life span, incentives, technology, economic feasibility, community involvement, and extension. It seeks to guide sustainable forest management options for the Panamanian government. conclusions & takeawaysEnvironmental managers should view agroforestry as a production system and consider this in its social and biophysical context. Available with subscription or purchase |
Afforestation and Forestry Land Allocation in Northern Vietnam: Analysing the Gap Between Policy Intentions and OutcomesbackgroundThis study looks at the policy factors surrounding the government's allocation of farmland for afforestation in northern Vietnam. This study takes place in the context of other large-scale afforestation projects conducted by governments in tropical countries, where land rights and livelihoods of local farmers can be at risk. Available with subscription or purchase |
