Amelioration of degraded rain forest soils by plantations of native trees

Amelioration of degraded rain forest soils by plantations of native trees

background

While much has been studied about the ability of tree growth to improve degraded soils in temperate zones, less is known about the impacts of tree growth on degraded soils in tropical zones.

research goals & methods

This study looks at the effects of trees planted in abandoned pasture land in northeastern Costa Rica, 25 years after that land had been cleared of rainforest. The soil was sampled before tree planting and 4 years after the trees became established. 

conclusions & takeaways

The study found significant amelioration of the soils in multiple measurements, including bulk density, phosphorus levels, and base cations. Organic carbon and nitrogen also increased beneath certain trees, although less dramatically than the other measurements. 

Reference: 

Fisher RF. Amelioration of Degraded Rain Forest Soils by Plantations of Native Trees. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 1995;59:544. doi:10.2136/sssaj1995.03615995005900020039x.

Affiliation: 

  • Department of Forest Science, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, TX