Environment and landscape rather than planting design are the drivers of success in long‐term restoration of riparian Atlantic forest

Introduction

While identifying factors that contribute to restoration is difficult, it is ultimately critical in order to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the restored landscape.

Goals & Methods

The goal of this study was the factors that influence tree density, biomass, and richness in the understory in ongoing restoration. To achieve this, the authors measured tree basal area, density, and richness in 26 restoration sites in the Atlantic forest of Brazil. They examined factors that fell under three main categories: planting design, landscape features, environmental factors. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors found that landscape features and environmental factors had the most significant influence of the three measures, yet the exact influence on richness and diversity of seedling plantings was not determined.