General
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 |
Hydrological Functions of Tropical Forests: Not Seeing the Soil for the trees?backgroundThis literature review provides a summary of hydrological functions in tropical forests and includes differences in the hydrology of disturbed areas, secondary forests, and mature forests. Available with subscription or purchase |
Exploiting the Potential of Indigenous Agroforestry Trees: Parkia biglobosa and Vitellaria paradoxa in Sub-Saharan AfricabackgroundThis article reviews the agroforestry potential of two native African savanna trees, Parkia biglobosa (locust bean) and Vitellaria paradoxa (shea). Available with subscription or purchase |
Deforestation and Reforestation of Latin America and the Caribbean (2001–2010)backgroundThis study examines contrasting forest cover change dynamics in Latin America and the Caribbean using MODIS satellite imagery. Many studies have documented deforestation, while others report forest recovery. This study seeks to analyze these trends on a large scale and connect them to environmental and population variables. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of ecosystem services and biodiversity: conflicts and opportunitiesBackgroundAlthough the science and practice of ecological restoration have developed rapidly, the emerging policy focus on ecosystem services represents a significant shift in the objectives of restoration. This might result in both conflicts and opportunities. This review article explores in detail the implications of this policy shift by examining whether ecological restoration could be effective in reversing the decline of ecosystem services along with biodiversity. Open access copy available |
Faustian Bargains? Restoration Realities in the Context of Biodiversity Offset PoliciesbackgroundThis article presents an analysis of the effectiveness of forest restoration as a mechanism to offset biodiversity loss. Available with subscription or purchase |
Patterns of Seed Longevity and Germination in the Tropical RainforestbackgroundThis article reviews the factors that affect seed longevity and germination in tropical trees by providing an introduction to literature on the subject. Available with subscription or purchase |
Development of Soilless Culture Methods for Production of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Root and Leaf BiomassbackgroundMoringa is a valuable tropical agroforestry species with a fruit rich in nutrients. This study tested soilless (hydroponic) Moringa cultivation methods given that past research on tissue culture (vegetative reproduction) has shown difficulty in transfer to soil. Research Goals & MethodsIn this study, dehulled seeds had a high germination rate (65%), whereas hulled seeds had low germination. Available with subscription or purchase |
Approaches to Classifying and Restoring Degraded Tropical Forests for the Anticipated REDD+ Climate Change Mitigation MechanismbackgroundForest degradation from logging and fires has impacted millions of acres of tropical forest around the globe, reducing the ability of these forests to provide ecosystem services, sequester carbon, and provide habitat to endangered species. This report focuses on the UN’s REDD + initiative (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) and calls for more attention to the potential for restoration initiatives of degraded forests to act as carbon sinks. 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 |
