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Site and species selection — Changing perspectivesBackgroundPlantation forestry in the tropics today is characterized by increasing refinement of matching species with site and increasing emphasis on non-industrial purposes for growing trees. This perspective comments on the increased number of objectives that a tropical forester or scientist is called upon to fulfill. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of dry tropical forests in Central America: A review of pattern and processBackgroundMuch information on restoration and management exists for wet tropical forests of Central America but comparatively little work has been done in the dry forests of this region. Such information is critical for reforestation efforts that are now occurring throughout Central America. This paper describes processes of degradation due to land use and provides a conceptual framework for the restoration of dry tropical forest, of which less than 2% remains intact. Open access copy available |
Rationale and Methods for Conserving Biodiversity in Plantation ForestsbackgroundWhen compared to degraded lands, developed lands, or areas of intensive industrial agriculture, forest plantations can positively contribute to biodiversity conservation. However, when monoculture stands of exotic trees, or native trees not typically found in single-species stands are used for plantations, they have been found to have impoverished flora and fauna compared with natural forest. Open access copy available |
Understory Development in Young Cordia alliodora PlantationsbackgroundThis article presents the findings of a study evaluating the biomass and composition of understory plants in 1- and 5- year old plantations at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Available with subscription or purchase |
Enrichment Planting in a Logged-Over Tropical Mixed Deciduous Forest of LaosbackgroundThis study evaluates enrichment planting using five native species planted in degraded (logged) forests in different arrangements. Available with subscription or purchase |
Promoting Biodiversity Co-Benefits in REDDbackgroundThis article describes the potential for maximizing biodiversity conservation as a co-benefit of REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation). Open access copy available |
Large-scale Ecological Restoration of Degraded Tropical Forest Lands: The Potential Role of Timber PlantationsbackgroundThis study offers suggestions for how timber plantations can be designed to yield timber and improve biodiversity on cleared and degraded lands. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effects of fire on the recruitment of rain forest vegetation beneath Pinus caribaea plantations, Sri LankaBackgroundGroundstory fires burn forest understories and can impact advance regeneration, contributing to conversion of forests to fire-sustained grasslands or fernlands. While plantations of fire-tolerant trees have been successfully established on these sites, managing fire in the newly developing understory remains an issue of concern. Available with subscription or purchase |
Release from Root Competition Promotes Tree Seedling Survival and Growth Following Transplantation into Human-Induced Grasslands in Sri LankabackgroundThis study evaluates the growth and survival of four native tree species planted as seedlings in grasslands situated in previously abandoned tea plantations. Available with subscription or purchase |
Impact of Plantation on Ecosystem Development in Disturbed Coal Mine Overburden SpoilsbackgroundThis study evaluates the growth, survival, understory composition, and soil conditions in a plantation established on a mine site in India. Available with subscription or purchase |
Large-scale Ecological Restoration of High-Diversity Tropical Forests in SE BrazilbackgroundThis article examines 32 ongoing reforestation projects in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, which are conducted on areas of large sugarcane farms and small mixed farms. Available with subscription or purchase |
Growth characteristics of some native tree species used in silvopastoral systems in the humid lowlands of Costa RicaBackgroundDegraded pastures established throughout Central America in the latter 20th C are gradually transitioning to silvopasture or secondary forest. Understanding growth characteristics of trees on these lands is important for proper management. Available with subscription or purchase |
Farm Forestry: An Alternative to Government-Driven Reforestation in the PhilippinesBackgroundThis study reviews literature and various case studies about growing trees at the farm level by rural farmers. In the Philippines, millions of dollars have gone to employ people to plant trees as part of reforestation programs while only about 10% of those planted areas are successful. The authors assert that paying people to plant trees is unsustainable and often hindered by the lack of prompt release of funding. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seed Dispersal by Birds and Bats in Lowland Philippine Forest Successional AreaBackgroundWhile seed dispersal by birds and bats can be an important driver of succession, few studies have studied this dynamic in the tropical forests of SE Asia. This study compares the role of bird and bat dispersal in the lowland dipterocarp forest of the Subic Watershed Forest Reserve (SWFR) in Luzon Island, Philippines. Available with subscription or purchase |
Effects of Nutrient Addition, Mulching and Planting-Hole Size on Early Performance of Dryobalanops aromatica and Shorea parvifolia Planted in Secondary Forest in Sarawak, MalaysiabackgroundIn this study, three methods were tested for their ability to improve growth of dipterocarp seedlings planted in west Sarawak, Malaysia. Available with subscription or purchase |
Evaluation of Reforestation Potential of 83 Tree Species Planted on Imperata cylindrica Dominated Grassland – A case Study from South Kalimantan, IndonesiabackgroundIn this study, 83 tree species (native and exotic) were tested for their growth and survival in species selection trials in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Available with subscription or purchase |
Woody Understory Plant Diversity in Pure and Mixed Native Tree Plantations at La Selva Biological Station, Costa RicaBackgroundThis study compares the species richness, abundance, and seed disperal method of individuals growing in the understory of native single-species plantations, native mixed-species plantations, and naturally regenerating (non-planted) areas of the La Selva biological station in Costa Rica. Available with subscription or purchase |
Soil Responses to restoration of a tropical pasture in Veracruz, South-Eastern Mexico.BackgroundChanges in land use and land cover may affect soil properties and processes. Conversion of forest to pasture is assumed to result in a decrease in soil nutrients. Restoration to healthy grassland or forest may lead to an increase in soil nutrients. This paper reports on a study on soil responses to restoration of a tropical pasture in Veracruz, Mexico. Available with subscription or purchase |
Growth Increments of Indigenous Species Planted in Secondary Forest AreaBackgroundAppropriate species selection for reforestation of degraded lands in the tropics makes a great difference in survival rates and success in establishing secondary forest. Indigenous species used in reforestation are not always able to survive in their native landscapes based on the degree of site degradation. This paper reports on growth increments of five tree species indigenous to Malaysia five years after planting. Open access copy available |
Releasing Rain Forest Succession: A Case Study in the Dicranopteris linearis Fernlands of Sri LankabackgroundThis study evaluates the effectiveness of different site treatments for controlling the invasive fern Dicranopteris linearis which has arrested forest succession in areas of the Sinharaja Man and Biosphere (MAB) reserve in lowland Sri Lanka. The fernlands, which had existed in the reserve for 10-20 years before this study, are favored by forest clearance for swidden agriculture and periodic fires. Available with subscription or purchase |