English
Silvicultural and economic aspects of pure and mixed native tree species plantations on degraded pasturelands in humid Costa RicaBackgroundReforestation of degraded land in tropical regions provides one means of restoring ecosystems and improving rural livelihoods. Most plantations in humid tropical regions are established in pure plots using few species of high commercial value, generally exotics. This study compares growth and economic viability of native trees in pure and mixed plantations on degraded land. Available with subscription or purchase |
Strategies for the Recovery of Degraded Ecosystems: Experiences from Latin AmericabackgroundThis paper reviews the rehabilitation potential of native species forest plantations in lowland Costa Rica, the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil, and sub-tropical Argentina. Native species can improve forest regeneration where soils are degraded and where sources of propagules are limited. While most tropical plantations are dominated by exotic species, native trees may be more appropriate because they are better adapted to the local environment, are already familiar to local farmers, and their propagules are locally available. Open access copy available |
Tropical Dry Forest Recovery: Processes and Causes of ChangeBACKGROUNDThis paper aims at unraveling processes and pathways of tropical dry forest (TDF) secondary succession occurring after traditional shifting-cultivation practices. It focuses on the study of community dynamics, the development of forest structure, and changes in floristic composition, to understand what makes a group of species to be present, dominant, and eventually disappear, at a certain space and time. The work begins with a section on the use of tree rings to determine the ages of fallows. Open access copy available |
Evaluation of Trees Indigenous to the Montane Forest of the Blue Mountains, Jamaica for Reforestation and AgroforestrybackgroundThis study investigates local knowledge of native species and their uses in agroforestry systems, as well as the establishment of native species in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Research Goals & MethodsInterviews were conducted with 27 local participants to determine the use of 80 taxa of trees and shrubs, 43 of them native taxa; the value of each species was calculated for 10 uses. Available with subscription or purchase |
Public Awareness Generation for the Reforestation in Amazon Tropical Lowland RegionbackgroundThis study compares two plots of native tree species, one that was planted with small numbers of species representing potential natural vegetation and another that was planted with many species, including fast-growing pioneers. Research Goals & MethodsAfter 9 years, tree height, DBH, species composition, stand volume, tree density and species diversity were measured in both plots. Open access copy available |
Optimising Seedling Management: Pouteria sapota, Diospyros digyna, and Cedrela odorata in a Mexican RainforestbackgroundThis study compares the height growth of three native tree species (Pouteria sapota, Diospyros digyna, and Cedrela odorata) during the first two years after transplantation from a nursery in three plot types (primary rainforest, secondary forest, and open pasture) in Veracruz, Mexico. Research Goals & MethodsThe effects of canopy closure, leaf nutrients, initial seedling height and seed mass on the final height of the plant after two years were analyzed. Open access copy available |
Experiments on Ecological Restoration of Coal Mine Spoil using Native Trees in a Dry Tropical Environment, India: A SynthesisbackgroundThis article outlines a series of experiments on the growth performance of 17 native tree species, as well the suitability of select species for use in plantations and to restore soil fertility on an abandoned coal mine in India. All 17 species grew in degraded mine soil, with A. catechu, B. racemosa, D. strictus, L. coromandelica and T. arjuna showing the highest biomass accumulation in mine soil; certain species showed higher biomass accumulation in mine soil fertilized with full or half doses of NPK. Available with subscription or purchase |
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 |
