Sri Lanka
Variation in Canopy Structure, Light and Soil Nutrition Across Elevation of a Sri Lankan Tropical Rain ForestBackgroundThis study aims to examine differences in resource availability across elevation and geology in mixed dipterocarp forest by measuring light, soil nutrition and soil water availability in relation to forest structure in southwest Sri Lanka. Available with subscription or purchase |
Ectomycorrhizal Colonization and Seedling Growth of Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) Species in Simulated Shade Environments of a Sri Lankan Rain ForestBackgroundThis study examines how the degree of ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonization of potted Shorea spp. is associated with the amount and quality of daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD). Available with subscription or purchase |
Net Primary Productivity of Two Mangrove Forest Stands on the Northwestern Coast of Sri LankaBackgroundThis article compares the net primary production of an estuarine mangrove stand to an island fringing stand in Dutch Bay in northwestern Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsNet above-ground primary productivity was measured by monitoring litterfall and above-ground biomass increment between 1985 and 1987. Available with subscription or purchase |
A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri LankaBackgroundThe article reviews literature on the numbers and distributions of Sri Lankan mangrove species and highlights the causes of overestimation. It also attempts to provide an accurate count based on standardized fieldwork over a 4-year period along the coast between Palatupana and Puttalam, Sri Lanka. The authors name some examples of mischaracterized or misidentified species from previous studies and address the importance of clearly defining the terms for mangroves. Open access copy available |
Structural Properties of Two Types of Mangrove Stands on the Northwestern Coast of Sri LankabackgroundThis article compares the structural diversity of six mangrove stands of both estuarine and island-fringing types in Puttalam lagoon and Dutch Bay in northwestern Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsUsing belt transects, the authors measured floristic composition, tree height and leaf-area index and calculated density, basal area and mean stand diameter. Standing above-ground biomass was also measured and compared to dbh using destructive sampling methods. Available with subscription or purchase |
REDD+ Readiness Implications for Sri Lanka in Terms of Reducing DeforestationBackgroundThis study constructs a historical reference level of emissions from deforestation in Sri Lanka using available forest inventory data and in situ carbon density data. It also attempts to identify drivers of deforestation in Sri Lanka and to estimate the opportunity cost and possible climate benefits of forest conservation. Open access copy available |
Disturbance and Tropical Pioneer Species: Patterns of Association Across Life History StagesBAckgroundThe authors studied pioneer species common in the Sinharaja World Heritage Reserve in Sri Lanka to characterize differences in relation to canopy openness and type, and intensity of disturbance using a combination of field work, canopy photos, and regression models. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effect of Reforestation using Tectona grandis on Infiltration and Soil Water RetentionBackgroundIn this study, researchers examine the effect of teak (Tectona grandis) reforestation on soil infiltration and water retention in Sri Lanka. They compare the reforested site (12 years after planting) with a corn field and an abandoned pasture dominated by Imperata cylindrica grass. Available with subscription or purchase |
Ecological Significance of Crown Functional Traits Across Size Classes and Disturbance Environments in Eight Pioneer Species in a Sri Lankan Rain ForestbackgroundThis article evaluates the tree crown characteristics of eight pioneer tree species in the Shorea-Mesua vegetation type (an aseasonal, mixed dipterocarp forest) around the Sinharaja World Heritage Forest Reserve in southwest Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsThe crown surface area, crown volume, and live crown ratio were measured as well as evaluated for their correlation with tree size classes and disturbance causes. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Ecophysiology of Pioneer Tree Species in Relation to their Disturbance Ecology in a Wet Lowland Rainforest, Sri LankaBackgroundThis dissertation evaluates pioneers species and their response to light availability and disturbance characteristics in the Shorea-Mesua vegetation type (an aseasonal, mixed dipterocarp forest) around the Sinharaja World Heritage Forest Reserve in southwest Sri Lanka. Open access copy available |
