English
Impacts of Early- and Late-seral Mycorrhizae during Restoration in Seasonal Tropical Forest, MexicobackgroundThis study examines the degree to which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with early vs. late successional forests in Quintana Roo, Mexico. It considers how such fungi aid seedling growth of six native early-, mid- or late-successional tree species. The researchers hypothesize that the application of mycorrizae associated with a tree species' associated successional sere will better promote that species' seedling growth and that associated AMF are therefore key for forest restoration success in degraded or disturbed areas. Open access copy available |
Ecosystem services from forest restoration: thinking aheadBackgroundThis paper examines broad trends in our understanding of ecosystem services and how different restoration strategies can be based on distinct motives (biodiversity preservation, bioenergy production, or carbon sequestration) and may rely on diverse tools. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effect of Adult Density on Regeneration Success of Woody Plants in Natural and Restored Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest Fragments in Puducherry Region, IndiaBackgroundThis study tested variables contributing to successful regeneration of Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) species in southern India, a forest type that is highly biodiverse but fragmented and commonly designated as “sacred groves”. Conclusions & TakeawaysThe researchers found that whether in longstanding “groves” or in reforested areas, adult tree density more strongly enhances the regeneration of any given species than do other factors such as the species’ dispersal mode or life form (e.g. tree, shrub, or liana). Open access copy available |
Landscape Pattern Dynamics and Mechanisms during Vegetation Restoration: A Multiscale, Hierarchical Patch Dynamics ApproachBackgroundThis study examines patterns of restoration using permanent plots and remote sensing of a nature reserve from 1979 to the present using a multiscale, hierarchical patch dynamic framework. Research Goals & MethodsThis study attempts to document changes in time and space during the restoration of forests with the purpose of understanding its patterns and processes. Available with subscription or purchase |
Smallholder plantations in the tropics – local people between outgrower schemes and reforestation programmesBackgroundAs part of a book on plantation forestry, this chapter focuses on smallholders and plantation forestry. The authors combine studies from Asia, Africa, and South America with their own experience and data from Brazil. The authors outline the different systems of plantation forestry for smallholders including those initiated by commericial entities such as outgrower schemes. Governments and non-profits inititate programs for ecosystem services or income generation through agroforestry. They also emphasize that smallholders intitiate their own efforts of production forests, agroforestry systems, and homegardens. Open access copy available |
Opportunities and Challenges for Ecological Restoration within REDD+backgroundThis article discusses the possibilities for the inclusion of restoration as part of REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) as well as benefits for biodiversity and income for communities. Open access copy available |
Mycorrhizal Interactions for Reforestation: Constraints to Dryland Agroforest in BrazilbackgroundThe authors conducted a review of literature on mycohorrizae in tropical dry forest systems. Their objective was to understand the role that reforestation and mycohorrizae play in providing ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and flood control. Research Goals & MethodsFew studies describe the role of mycohorrizae in tropical dry forest; this study seeks to fill that gap. Open access copy available |
The Role of Nurse Trees in Mitigating Fire Effects on Tropical Dry Forest Restoration: A Case StudyBackgroundThe authors of this study initially studied differential growth rates in a reforestation project of native tree species with nurse trees(Leucaena leucocephala) and without nurse trees when the area had two fire events. However, authors took advantage of the unplanned experiment to study the effects of fire in reforestation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Successional Change and Resilience of a Very Dry Tropical Deciduous Forest Following Shifting AgricultureBackgroundGiven substaintial conversion of very dry tropical deciduous forests in Mexico to agricultural and other land uses, this study examines forest succession over time in such ecosystems. The study was conducted near Nizanda, Oaxaca, Mexico with 26°C average temperatures and 900 mm average rainfall. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Effects of Cultivation History on Forest Recovery in Fallows in the Eastern Arc Mountain, TanzaniabackgroundThe authors of this study looked at fallows of varying age within systems of shifting cultivation to understand factors that influence their recovery. The authors focused on the role of duration of cultivation and cropping history in influencing recovery. All cropping systems in the area are shade intolerant. Research Goals & MethodsPrimary forests, farms, and fallow areas were surveyed for basal area, stand complexity, and diversity (Fisher's alpha). Available with subscription or purchase |
