Panama
Barriers to Forest Regeneration of Deforested and Abandoned Land in PanamaBackgroundThis article presents research findings on the effect of four limiting factors on tree regeneration: competition with the exotic grass Saccharum spontanaeum, seed dispersal limitation, fire, and soil nutrient deficiency. Research Goals & MethodsTreatments included prescribed grass cutting and burning, as well as the placement of plots at different distances from adjacent forest. Open access copy available |
Factors Affecting Community Composition of Forest Regeneration in Deforested, Abandoned Land in PanamabackgroundThis study tests how Saccharum spontaneum, an invasive grass, affects early forest succession and community composition in an area of previously abandoned pasture. Open access copy available |
Can Native Tree Species Plantations in Panama Compete with Teak Plantations? An Economic EstimationbackgroundPanama has high rates of primary forest conversion, resulting in depleted timber resources. In response, the timber plantation industry is growing to meet demand, often with non-native species. This study compares the economic feasibility of using native tree species vs non-native species for plantation forestry. Open access copy available |
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 |
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 |
Sustainable Harvest International Reforestation: Annual Report FY2008BackgroundThe mission of Sustainable Harvest International's reforestation work is to empower local farmers by giving them the knowledge and equipment to improve degraded lands, rebuild diversity in the forest ecosystems, and benefit from the planting of trees. Open access copy available |
Seedling survival and growth of native tree species in pastures: Implications for dry tropical forest rehabilitation in central PanamaBackgroundEnrichment planting of tree seedlings is a method for accelerating reforestation of pastures in Central America. Persistent presence of cattle can be an impediment to the survival of unprotected seedlings, although cattle may also be a source of nutrients. Grasses can also cause competitive pressure on newly planted seedlings. Open access copy available |
Between and Within-Site Comparisons of Structural and Physiological Characteristics and Foliar Nutrient Content of 14 Tree Species at a Wet, Fertile Site and a Dry, Infertile Site in PanamabackgroundThis study seeks to analyze how stress resulting from different amounts of precipitation and soil nutrients affects tree growth. The study hypothesized that tree structure and physiology as well as foliar nutrient content would be significantly different between the sites, and trees at the wet, fertile sites would perform better. Secondly, the study hypothesized finding a greater variability of integrated tree growth at the drier site, as plant stress is expected to accentuate differences in performance. Lastly, it was hypothesized that leaf mass area and foliar N would predict photosynthetic capacity. Available with subscription or purchase |
Root architecture and allocation patterns of eight native tropical species with different successional status used in open-grown mixed plantations in PanamaBackgroundWhile an increasing number of native tropical trees are under study for reforestation and commercial plantations, the majority of studies on trees in the tropics have concentrated on the aboveground aspects of tree growth. This study investigates biomass allocation and root architecture of eight tropical species with different successional status. Open access copy available |
Impacts of Herbicide Application and Mechanical Cleanings on Growth and Mortality of Two Timber Species in Saccharum spontaneum Grasslands of the Panama Canal WatershedbackgroundThis study evaluates the effectiveness of weed control treatments (herbicide application and mechanical cleanings) in promoting the growth and survival of the exotic tree species Tectona grandis and the native tree species Terminalia amazonia. Available with subscription or purchase |
