General
Self-restoration of post-agrogenic soils of Calcisol-Solonetz complex: Soil development, carbon stock dynamics of carbon poolsBackgroundAbandoned land may move towards self-restoration without human intervention. In the European part of Russia, over half a million km2 was abandoned between 1987 and 2007; another 200,000 km2 was abandoned in Eastern Russia. The majority of abandonments occurred in unirrigated dry steppe, land that is arable but less favorable for agriculture. This study compares differences in self-restoration based on underlying soil types, climate, and land-use history across a chronosequence of abandoned land in the dry steppe zone of Russia in a Calcisol–Solonetz complex, reporting on vegetation and soil characteristics. Available with subscription or purchase |
Assessing and Monitoring Forest Biodiversity: A Suggested Framework and IndicatorsbackgroundThis study looks at afforestation and reforestation (A/R) projects that are part of the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. The study seeks to determine whether large-scale A/R projects meet the twin goals of carbon sequestration and sustainable development, using projects in India's Karnataka State as case studies. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Enhanced Forest Inventory and Analysis Program—National Sampling Design and Estimation ProceduresbackgroundThis report explains the changes in approach used in the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The FIA Program was designed to standardize national practices among regional FIA programs. Open access copy available |
Carbon Sequestration Potential of Indian Forestry Land Use SystemsbackgroundThe paper presents an overview of studies done on the carbon sequestration potential of varied forestry land use systems in India at regional, country, and site-specific levels. Open access copy available |
Restoration success: how is it being measured?BackgroundGlobal criteria of restoration success should be clearly established to evaluate restoration projects. Various governments, institutes, and authors use varying criteria, leading to potential misprioritization of goals. Recently, the Society of Ecological Restoration International (SER) produced a Primer that includes key ecosystem attributes that should be considered when evaluating restoration success. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoring Ecological FunctionsbackgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
Leveraging the Landscape: State of the Forest Carbon Markets 2012backgroundThis report reviews the state of the international forest carbon market, including the finance and development of reforestation projects. Open access copy available |
Effects of Afforestation on Water Yield: A Global Synthesis with Implications for PolicybackgroundThis study synthesizes data from global studies on reforested and afforested areas and compares these to grassland and shrubland areas. In particular, the authors measure response to water runoff. Available with subscription or purchase |
Management of sedimentation in tropical watershedsBackgroundThe sedimentation of reservoirs is a serious problem throughout the tropics, yet most attempts to control sedimentation in large river basins have not been very successful. Reliable information on erosion rates and sources of sediments has been lacking. This paper discusses some of the limitations in estimating erosion and sedimentation and encourages development of specific sediment budgets in order to extrapolate equations and generate management procedures. Available with subscription or purchase |
Mixed-Species Plantings in Regreening the Bare Hills: Tropical Reforestation in the Asia-Pacific RegionbackgroundThis chapter reviews the use of mixed plantations for the goal of reforestation. Mixed plantantions are a more efficient use of resources, pest resistance, and economic and ecological resilience. When establishing a new tropical reforestation program, if unaware of site conditions (and what species to choose), mixed plantations can provide greater insurance. Mixed plantations are more expensive to establish but may provide insurance against volatile markets. Available with subscription or purchase |
