Cordia alliodora
Understory Development in Young Cordia alliodora PlantationsbackgroundThis article presents the findings of a study evaluating the biomass and composition of understory plants in 1- and 5- year old plantations at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Reserach Goals & MethodsThis study sampled plantations of Cordia alliodora in monoculture plots and in polyculture plots with trees interplanted with monocots (Euterpe macrospadix, Euterpe oleracea, and Heliconia imbricata). Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of dry tropical forests in Central America: A review of pattern and processBackgroundMuch information on restoration and management exists for wet tropical forests of Central America but comparatively little work has been done in the dry forests of this region. Such information is critical for reforestation efforts that are now occurring throughout Central America. This paper describes processes of degradation due to land use and provides a conceptual framework for the restoration of dry tropical forest, of which less than 2% remains intact. Open access copy available |
Especies para reforestación en Nicaragua (Species for Reforestation in Nicaragua)BackgroundThis manual provides information about multipurpose trees in Nicaragua. Available with subscription or purchase |
Árboles de uso multiple en El Salvador: Un manual para propagación y reforestación (Multipurpose trees in El Salvador: a manual for propagation and reforestation)EspañolAntecedentesEl Salvador es uno de los países del hemisferio oeste con mayor deforestación . En el año 1998 este país contaba con tan solo el 2% de sus bosques originales en pie. A pesar del interés de la población en realizar actividades de reforestación, existe una gran falta de información sobre especies nativas adecuadas para este fin. Available with subscription or purchase |
Factors Affecting Community Composition of Forest Regeneration in Deforested, Abandoned Land in PanamabackgroundThis study tests how Saccharum spontaneum, an invasive grass, affects early forest succession and community composition in an area of previously abandoned pasture. Open access copy available |
Initial Performance and Reforestation Potential of 24 Tropical Tree Species Planted Across a Precipitation Gradient in the Republic of PanamabackgroundThe authors of this study planted trees from 22 native species and two exotic species to use in selection trials testing the growth and survivability of trees in plantations in three different sites. Research Goals & MethodsThe sites were chosen for their precipitation gradient from Soberania National Park (2226mm mean annual rainfall), Los Santos (1946mm rainfall), and Rio Hato (1107mm rainfall). Survival, basal diameter, height, crown diameter and wood volume index (VI) were calculated after two years of growth. Available with subscription or purchase |
Is Tree Diversity an Important Driver for Phosphorus and Nitrogen Acquisition of a Young Tropical Plantation?backgroundThis article presents the effect of native species diversity on the nitrogen and phosphorous pools above-ground in a plantation in the Canal Zone of Panama. Available with subscription or purchase |
Canopy development in tropical tree plantations: a comparison of species mixtures and monoculturesBackgroundThe establishment of plantation monocultures has dominated much of the intensive forest management practiced in the humid tropics of the Americas, with most forestry research and practice concentrating on a small number of non-indigenous species. Growing interest exists in modifying these practices both by creating mixed-species plantations and by making greater use of native tree species. Available with subscription or purchase |
Forestry Project for the Basin of the Chinchiná River, an Environmental and Productive Alternative for the City and the RegionBackgroundOver the last century, Andean watershed within Colombia has faced threats of uncontrolled deforestation, which have been driven by a rapid expansion of agriculture and cattle grazing. It is imperative that these trends be halted and reversed, thus the FAO proposes the reforestation of watersheds, which will improve the regulation of hydaulic flows to populations living in and downstream from river basins. This project planning document describes one of these programs, PROCUENCA-FAO, which began in 2001 and focuses on the Chinchiná River watershed. Open access copy available |
A Financial Analysis of Small-Scale Tropical Reforestation with Native Species in Costa RicaBackgroundThis article describes the financial expenses and revenues incurred by the 15th year of a small native species plantation in Costa Rica. research goals & methodsForecasting models incorporate growth patterns, production costs, and wood prices to determine the net present value and internal rate of return for the project. Open access copy available |