Early Growth of Native and Exotic Trees Planted on Degraded Tropical Pasture

Early Growth of Native and Exotic Trees Planted on Degraded Tropical Pasture

background

This study describes the potential of two exotic and five native tree species to restore degraded land in Costa Rica.

Research Goals & Methods

Thirty blocks were established over 25 hectares of abandoned cattle pasture and tree height was measured at 3 and 7 years and tree survival was measured after 7 years.

Conclusions & Takeaways

Across all of the blocks, P. tecunumanii exhibited the best growth and survival, while three native species (V. guatemalensis, T. amazonia, and C. brasilense) exhibited moderate growth and survival. The highest mortality rates were observed in T. ochracea and E. deglupta. The effects of erosion on survivorship and growth were also tested, with a negative correlation found between erosion and survival and/or growth in 5 of the 7 species; only P. tecunumanii did not appear to be affected by erosion. The authors recommend utilizing the three more successful native species (V. guatemalensis, T. amazonia, and C. brasilense) on less eroded sites, while preference may be given to P. tecunumanii on highly eroded sites.

 

 

Reference: 

F Carpenter L, J Nichols D, Sandi E. Early growth of native and exotic trees planted on degraded tropical pasture. Forest Ecology and Management. 2004;196:367–378. doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2004.03.030.

Affiliation: 

  • Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
  • Sustainable Forestry Program, School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia