Tropical Dry Forest
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 |
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 |
Nitrogen Dynamics of Actinorhizal Casuarina Forest Stands and its Comparison with Alnus and Leucaena ForestsBackgroundNitrogen plays a key role in soil fertility and plant productivity. Therefore, in regions in which deforestation has increasingly led to savannization and desertification, afforestation by fast-growing, n-fixing tree species is preferable. This study examines the characteristics of nitrogen fixing trees. Research Goals & MethodsThe nitrogen retention rates of three dry tropical forest tree species were measured, by examining rates of N cycling through vegetation, litter and soil pools. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effects of forest clearing and succession on the carbon and nitrogen content of soils in Puerto Rico and US Virgin IslandsBackgroundConversion of tropical forest lands to agriculture or pasture affects soil organic matter, moisture, and nutrients. This study examines the effects on soil carbon, nitrogen, and moisture at depths up to 100 cm of conversion from forest to agriculture and pasture. Available with subscription or purchase |
Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae): ethnobotanical studies in GuatemalaBackgroundThis article reviews an ethnobotanical survey and a prelimary agronomic study in order to understand the popular uses and viability of Moringa oleifera, a widely-used and well-known plant in Guatemala. Available with subscription or purchase |
Economic Botany of Spondias PurpureabackgroundThis article reviews the Neotropical fruit Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae) - "Ciruela" or "Ovo", describing the cultivation, yields, and economics of the fruit. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Horseradish Tree, Moringa pterygosperma (Moringaceae)— A boon to Arid Lands?BackgroundThe horseradish tree (Moringa pterygosperma) is being introduced into drought-ridden lands t o augment the local food and fodder supply.This study evaluates the reforestation potential of Moringa in India and Africa. Available with subscription or purchase |
Development of Soilless Culture Methods for Production of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Root and Leaf BiomassbackgroundMoringa is a valuable tropical agroforestry species with a fruit rich in nutrients. This study tested soilless (hydroponic) Moringa cultivation methods given that past research on tissue culture (vegetative reproduction) has shown difficulty in transfer to soil. Research Goals & MethodsIn this study, dehulled seeds had a high germination rate (65%), whereas hulled seeds had low germination. Available with subscription or purchase |
Evidence of Incipient Forest Transition in Southern MexicobackgroundThis study uses satelite images (Landsat) to analyze land cover change in southern Mexico from 1990 to 2006. Open access copy available |
Seed germination and seedling establishment of Neotropical dry forest species in response to temperature and light conditionsBackgroundSite conditions in restoration projects vary widely, with proper conditions for germination not always available for a given species. This study examines the germination requirements of Cedrela odorata, Guaiacum sanctum and Calycophyllum candidissimum seeds under varying light conditions beneath the canopy of a dry forest in Nicaragua. Available with subscription or purchase |
