Latin America and Caribbean
Determinants for Successful Reforestation of Abandoned Pastures in the Andes: Soil Conditions and Vegetation CoverBackgroundThis article compares the growth of native and exotic species seedlings planted in abandoned pasture and among brachen ferns and shrubs in Andean Ecuador over three years. Research Goals & MethodsThe species (native: Alnus acuminata, Cedrela montana, Juglans neotropica, Heliocarpus americanus, Tabebuia chrysantha, exotic: Pinus patula and Eucalyptus saligna) were planted in a block design in the different successional stages and in plots with and without above-ground weeding. Available with subscription or purchase |
Soil compaction and topsoil removal effects on soil properties and seedling growth in Amazonian EcuadorBackgroundSoil properties affect plant growth including during germination and establishment. Topsoil loss, nutrient loss, and compaction due to industrial activity in forest may impact forest regeneration. This study reports on soil properties and seedling growth following topsoil removal in Amazonian Ecuador. Available with subscription or purchase |
Carbon Forestry Project CO2OL Tropical MixBACKGROUNDDegraded land, originally forest land, later used for extensive cattle ranching, is reforested with mostly native tree species and gradually converted into mixed forests. The project provides for sustainable timber production and cocoa cultivation; protects biodiversity and restores a healthy forest ecosystem. The project reforests previously degraded pastureland with a mixture of native tree species to produce fine tropical timber, enrich the soil, save and filter water, sequester carbon, and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. Open access copy available |
CO2OL Native Tree Species ReforestationbackgroundOpen access copy available |
Biomass Distribution Among Tropical Tree Species Grown Under Differing Regional ClimatesbackgroundThis study presents results from species selection trials in Panama as part of the PRORENA project, which examined the most effective species and methods for Panamanian government-supported reforestation projects. research goal & methodsIn 2003, 16 native and 2 exotic species were planted in single-species plots with a 3m x 3m spacing of trees at two different sites (one seasonally wet, one more dry). All plots were thinned to 50% of their original density at two years after plantation establishment, and the thinned trees were measured for biomass and biomass partitioning. Open access copy available |
Linking Multiple-Level Tree Traits with Biomass Accumulation in Native Tree Species used for Reforestation in PanamabackgroundThis research presents the links between biomass accumulation, plant traits, and functional groups for five native species in abandoned pasture of central Panama. Open access copy available |
Growth, carbon sequestration, and management of native tree plantations in humid regions of Costa RicaBackgroundThe Costa Rican government has provided incentives for reforestation programs since 1986 and initiated a Payment for Environmental Services program in 1996. These incentives yielded native species reforestation programs throughout the country. This study examines growth, carbon sequestration, and management of seven native tree species (Vochysia guatemalensis, Vochysia ferruginea, Hyeronima alchorneoides, Calophyllum brasiliense, Terminalia amazonia, Virola koschnyi, and Dipteryx panamensis) in single-species plantations managed by small landowners. Available with subscription or purchase |
A Re-emerging Atlantic Forest? Urbanization, Industrialization and the Forest Transition in Santa Catarina, Southern BrazilbackgroundThe Atlantic Forest region of southern Brazil has experienced rapid urbanization and industrialization in the second half of the 20th century. Trends in other regions of the world might suggest this would lead to increased forest cover in rural areas, however a developing country such as Brazil may present a different scenario. research & methodsThis research presents an analysis of forest cover change in the Atlantic forest of Santa Catarina, Brazil between 1975 and 1995/1996. Available with subscription or purchase |
Importance of Input Classification to Graph Automata Simulations of Forest Cover Change in the Peruvian AmazonBackgroundIn an area of Peru difficult for remote sensing imaging of deforestation and regeneration, the authors evaluate landcover and detect changes in landuse using novel data simulation techniques. Research goals & MethodsThe authors aim to compensate for remote assessments of deforestation or reforestation that may be strongly dependent on the seasonality of input images. To do this, they ran graph automata simulations while varying forest cover inputs to model land cover change. Open access copy available |
Forest Expansion in Northwest Costa Rica: Conjuncture of the Global Market, Land-Use Intensification, and Forest ProtectionbackgroundThis article examines the land cover conversion trends in Costa Rica, a topic that is widely studied in developed coutries but less so in developing. Available with subscription or purchase |
