Latin America and Caribbean
Initial Performance and Reforestation Potential of 24 Tropical Tree Species Planted Across a Precipitation Gradient in the Republic of PanamabackgroundThe authors of this study planted trees from 22 native species and two exotic species to use in selection trials testing the growth and survivability of trees in plantations in three different sites. Research Goals & MethodsThe sites were chosen for their precipitation gradient from Soberania National Park (2226mm mean annual rainfall), Los Santos (1946mm rainfall), and Rio Hato (1107mm rainfall). Survival, basal diameter, height, crown diameter and wood volume index (VI) were calculated after two years of growth. Available with subscription or purchase |
Institutional Dimensions of Payments for Ecosystem Services: An Analysis of Mexico's carbon Forestry ProgrammebackgroundIn recent years, Mexico has established a payment for environmental service (PES) program where governments pay rural communities and farmers for environmental service provisions: water quality, carbon fixation, biodiversity, etc. These PES programs have been more effective when designed by both providers and users collaboratively. In 2004, the Mexican government developed the program Payments for Carbon, Biodiversity and Agro-forestry Services (PSA-CABSA). Available with subscription or purchase |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Enriching the Tropical Rain Forest with Native Fruit Trees: A Biological and Economic Analysis in Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz, Mexico)backgroundThis doctoral thesis compares the net present value of planting three native tree species in comparison with cattle pasture in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico. Research Goals & MethodsThe author evaluates two native fruit species Pouteriasapota (mamey) and Diospyrosdigyna (black sapote) and the timber species Cedrelaodorata (Spanish cedar). The author evaluates the correlation between fruit yield and diameter growth for the two fruit species. Open access copy available |
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 |
Experimental Tree Assemblages on the Ecological Rehabilitation of a Cloud Forest in Veracruz, MexicobackgroundThis research evaluates the survival of 10 native tree species planted in a heavily degraded montane forest in Veracruz, Mexico. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of a Restinga Sandy Coastal Plain in Brazil: Survival and Growth of Planted Woody SpeciesBackgroundRestingas – coastal sandy vegetation – have been affected by human impact for about 8,000 years. Human use of these sites for housing, tourism, and recreation has recently increased in such a way that there is a need for conservation of remnant patches and restoration of degraded areas throughout the coast to protect biodiversity. This study reports the results of an experiment introducing 17 native shrub and tree species into a degraded Brazilian restinga. Available with subscription or purchase |
Is Tree Diversity an Important Driver for Phosphorus and Nitrogen Acquisition of a Young Tropical Plantation?backgroundThis article presents the effect of native species diversity on the nitrogen and phosphorous pools above-ground in a plantation in the Canal Zone of Panama. Available with subscription or purchase |
