Costa Rica
Factors Limiting Tropical Rain Forest Regeneration in Abandoned Pasture: Seed Rain, Seed Germination, Microclimate, and SoilbackgroundThis research evaluates the ability of seeds to be dispersed into and germinate in areas of abandoned pasture. Research Goals & MethodsSeed rain, germination of tree seedlings, percent herbaceous and woody cover, soil moisture, phosphorous, air temperature, and other microclimate conditions were tested in plots located 250m and 25m from the forest edge as well as within the primary forest. Available with subscription or purchase |
Tropical Montane Forest Restoration in Costa Rica: Overcoming Barriers to Dispersal and EstablishmentbackgroundDue to the rapid pace of tropical deforestation, it is essential to design restoration experiments that both further basic knowledge of tropical ecology and inform management strategies to facilitate recovery of these ecosystems. This study synthesizes the results of recent research on tropical montane forest recovery in abandoned pasture in Costa Rica to address limitations on tropical forest recovery in abandoned pasture and designing strategies to facilitate ecosystem recovery. Open access copy available |
Paying for Environmental Services: An Analysis of Participation in Costa Rica's PSA ProgrambackgroundThis study evaluates demographic and other factors that played a role in the participation of households in Costa Rica's Payment for Environmental Services program. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors rely on economic analysis of technology adoption and farm and forestry program participation to assign variables and draw conclusions. Available with subscription or purchase |
Farmer Participation in Reforestation Incentive Programs in Costa RicabackgroundThis article evaluates the participation of farm households in reforestation incentive programs in Costa Rica from 1988 to 1995. The Forestry Bond Certificate in Advance (CAFa) was started in 1988 as a grant of 100,000 colones per hectare (it increased to 120,000 colones per hectare) for reforestation to be disbursed over 5 years of plantation establishment. The Forestry Development Fund (FDF) was initiated in 1989 and offers 58,000 colones per hectare over 3 years for reforestation. Open access copy available |
The Effect of Rabbit Herbivory on Reforestation of Abandoned Pasture in Southern Costa RicabackgroundThis study considers how mammalian seedling herbivory may limit forest seedling growth abandonded pasture in southern Costa Rica. Research Goals & MethodsTrees were planted in open pasture and under remnant pasture trees of Inga edulis and Inga punctata. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effects of Management Practices on Coffee Productivity and Herbaceous Species Diversity in Agroforestry SystemsbackgroundThis article discusses how to manage an agroforestry coffee system to maintain crop productivity while also promoting biodiversity in Costa Rica. Open access copy available |
Effects of Above- and Below-Ground Competition of Shrubs and Grass on Calophyllum brasiliense (Camb.) Seedling Growth in Abandoned Tropical PasturebackgroundThis article evaluates the above and below-ground competition between grasses, shrubs, and woody seedlings in abandoned pastures in montane Costa Rica. Research Goals & MethodsOne-year-old seedlings of Calophyllum brasilense, a native early-successional tree species, were planted in patches of shrub growth and grass coverage. Seedlings were treated in one of four ways: reduction of root competition, reduction of above-ground competition, reduction of both forms of competition, and control (untreated). Available with subscription or purchase |
Canopy development in tropical tree plantations: a comparison of species mixtures and monoculturesBackgroundThe establishment of plantation monocultures has dominated much of the intensive forest management practiced in the humid tropics of the Americas, with most forestry research and practice concentrating on a small number of non-indigenous species. Growing interest exists in modifying these practices both by creating mixed-species plantations and by making greater use of native tree species. Available with subscription or purchase |
Native Species: A Resource for the Diversification of Forestry Production in the Lowland Humid TropicsbackgroundThis research evaluates the success of native species for reforestation plantings in Costa Rica in comparison with exotic species. Research Goals & MethodsAt La Selva Biological Station, 80 species were planted in mixed stands of 8-12 species between 1987 and 1990. Growth characteristics and form for timber quality were collected for each species at 3 and 6 years after planting. Available with subscription or purchase |
A Financial Analysis of Small-Scale Tropical Reforestation with Native Species in Costa RicaBackgroundThis article describes the financial expenses and revenues incurred by the 15th year of a small native species plantation in Costa Rica. research goals & methodsForecasting models incorporate growth patterns, production costs, and wood prices to determine the net present value and internal rate of return for the project. Open access copy available |
