Research Needs for Restoring Seasonal Tropical Forests in Thailand: Accelerated Natural Regeneration

background

This study considers information needed to engage in accelerated natural regeneration (ANR) in Thailand as well as areas in need of future research.

Goals & Methods

This paper reviews the information that is required to predict and manipulate the natural regeneration of seasonal tropical forest and identifies areas in need of further research. Five key factors are examined: site resources (soil and microclimate); competition with weeds; site disturbance; occurrence of established woody plants or their propagules; seed dispersal by wild animals and birds.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors suggest that ANR in Thailand´s seasonal tropical dry forests can be relatively cheap with low labor costs, yet it needs scientific and ecological data to inform decisions. First, site resources (soil and microclimate) need to be evaluated to see whether regenerating species will be able to survive and grow despite limitations for light (moist areas or seasons) or water (dry areas or seasons). This can help the managers determine whether the use of nurse trees, fire for nutrient input, or inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi are necessary. Additionally, the information on the weed-tree dynamics is necessary to view whether weed control means are desired. Finally, the ability of seeds to germinate and be dispersed by animals and birds is needed to determine which species can regenerate naturally and which ones would need to be planted. The authors describe the importance of consulting local farmers and community members to gather and protect the local knowledge that can improve forest restoration methods.