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Soil Responses to restoration of a tropical pasture in Veracruz, South-Eastern Mexico.BackgroundChanges in land use and land cover may affect soil properties and processes. Conversion of forest to pasture is assumed to result in a decrease in soil nutrients. Restoration to healthy grassland or forest may lead to an increase in soil nutrients. This paper reports on a study on soil responses to restoration of a tropical pasture in Veracruz, Mexico. Available with subscription or purchase |
Growth Increments of Indigenous Species Planted in Secondary Forest AreaBackgroundAppropriate species selection for reforestation of degraded lands in the tropics makes a great difference in survival rates and success in establishing secondary forest. Indigenous species used in reforestation are not always able to survive in their native landscapes based on the degree of site degradation. This paper reports on growth increments of five tree species indigenous to Malaysia five years after planting. Open access copy available |
Releasing Rain Forest Succession: A Case Study in the Dicranopteris linearis Fernlands of Sri LankabackgroundThis study evaluates the effectiveness of different site treatments for controlling the invasive fern Dicranopteris linearis which has arrested forest succession in areas of the Sinharaja Man and Biosphere (MAB) reserve in lowland Sri Lanka. The fernlands, which had existed in the reserve for 10-20 years before this study, are favored by forest clearance for swidden agriculture and periodic fires. Available with subscription or purchase |
Role of Legumes in Release of Successionally Arrested Grasslands inthe Central Hills of Sri LankaBackgroundMany cleared and abandoned forest areas have changed to successionally arrested grasslands, shrublands, or fernlands maintained by frequent fires and high herbivore populations. Many studies have shown that herbaceous legumes can protect soil surfaces, retain soil moisture, improve soil fertility, and retard ground fires. This study evaluates whether some of these species can satisfactorily establish in these arrested grassland areas to aid in the trajectory towards reforestation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Rainforest Restoration: A Guide to Principles and PracticebackgroundThis document provides an introduction to tropical forest restoration with applications and a detailed description of reforestation experiences in the Whestern Ghats of India. Open access copy available |
Rehabilitation of Tropical Rainforests Based on Indigenous Species for Degraded Areas in Sarawak, MalaysiabackgroundThis study describes the success of native species planted in areas of abandoned shifting cultivation in Sarawak, Malaysia. Research Goals & MethodsSite contitions in which species were planted included: open conditions, including severely eroded and compacted areas and man-made mounds, and shady conditions. Growth and survival was recorded for 60-72 months, depending on the site Open access copy available |
Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest with Shorea leprosula and S. selanica CuttingsbackgroundThis article describes limits to dipterocarp-based reforestation due to irregular flowering pattern, short seed storage period, and uncertain planting techniques in Southeast Asia. In West Java, Indonesia, the authors test the effectiveness of vegetative propagation for two species of fast-growing dipterocarps: Shorea leprosula and Shorea selanica. Open access copy available |
Local and Regional Environmental Variation Influences the Growth of Tropical Trees in Selection Trials in the Republic of PanamabackgroundThis study evaluates the effect of varying site conditions on the basal area of 21 neotropical and 2 exotic tree species at three different sites in Panama. Research Goals & MethodsSeedlings were planted in 2003 in randomized blocks and measured for basal diameter, height, live crown length, and crown diameter each year from 2004 to 2006. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Tree Planting and Protecting Culture of Cattle Ranchers and Small-Scale Agriculturalists in Rural Panama: Opportunities for Reforestation and Land RestorationbackgroundThis study examines the relationship between farmers and trees in the tropical dry forest in two rural communities of Panama, focusing on the uses and values that small landholders assign to local tree species, both native and exotic. Available with subscription or purchase |
Farmer’s Perceptions of Silvopastoral System Promotion in Quindío, ColombiabackgroundThe adoption of silvopastoral systems (SPS) reduces pressure on forests and improves ecosystem services. Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are pasture systems in which multipurpose trees, diverse livestock feeds, and other techniques are used to improve productivity and ecosystem services in cattle production areas. In Latin America, conventional livestock production often results in rapid land degradation. SPS provides a longterm solution. This article describes results of a study evaluating farmers perceptions of SPS and, the motivations and disincentives for its adoption in Quindio Province of Colombia Open access copy available |
