Direct Seeding to Restore Tropical Mature-Forest Species in Areas of Slash-and-Burn Agriculture

background

Direct seeding of three mature-forest species into areas of slash-and-burn agriculture was conducted to evaluate the germination and establishment of these species.

Research Goals & Methods

Different fallow times were evaluated, less than 5 years, 8-15 years, and greater than 50 years. Germination, survival, and growth for 1-2 years was evaluated for 1800 seeds planted per species (200 on each of three replicate sites per forest age).

Conclusions & Takeaways

Percent germination ranged from 5-41% and had no correlation with forest age. Once germinated, survival was high in the older forests (58-95%) and lower in the younger forest (50%). The authors suggest that direct deeding of later-successional species should be introduced after 8 years after the canopy has established.