Costa Rica
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 |
Cloudbridge Reforestation ProjectbackgroundThe mission of the Cloudbridge Reforestation Project is to rebuild a deforested part of tropical cloud forest using native trees to bridge a gap between two mountainside forests. Local people as well as tree consultants are hired to plant the native species. Open access copy available |
Growth of native forest species planted on abandoned pasture land in Costa RicaBackgroundReforestation programs in Costa Rica have largely utilized only four tree species. This study tests growth rates and form of eleven additional tree species native to the humid tropics, including five N-fixing species and six non-N-fixing species. Available with subscription or purchase |
Early Growth Performance of Native and Introduced Fast Growing Tree Species in Wet to Sub-Humid Climates of the Southern Region of Costa RicabackgroundThe authors present information on the growth of seven-year-old native tree species planted in abandoned pasture with low fertility acidic soils in the southern pacific region of Costa Rica. Research Goals & MethodsThe study evalutes trees in four ecoregions of varying elevation and precipitation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Early Species Selection for Tropical Reforestation: A Consideration of StabilitybackgroundThis study describes a screening of timber species planted in abandoned pasture sites to understand the effect of different site conditions on tree growth and to determine the species that grew with the highest variation. Research Goals & MethodsThe author looks at genotype environment to evaluate stability of genotypes and genotypes with the ability to perform consistently in multiple site conditions. Available with subscription or purchase |
Screening trial of 14 tropical hardwoods with an emphasis on species native to Costa Rica: Fourth year resultsBackgroundCommercial forestry plantations have consistently relied on a limitd number of species, often favoring exotic species over native ones. This is mainly due to a lack of information or understanding related to the silviculture of native species plantations. This article uses a long-term experiement site in Costa Rica's La Selva Biological Station to work towards filling this knowledge gap. Available with subscription or purchase |
Tropical Forest Transitions and Globalization: Neo-Liberalism, Migration, Tourism, and International Conservation AgendasBackgroundDeforestation is giving way to forest regeneration in some tropical regions. This paper uses two case studies to investigate such ‘forest transitions’ in two biodiversity-rich countries, Costa Rica and Madagascar. Open access copy available |
