Forest Plantations
Forest ecosystem services at landscape level – Why forest transition matters?BackgroundForest transition theory describes patterns of forest decline and recovery. This theory explains what services change as forested landscapes shift in the three stages of recovery. This model covers both forest-type gradients (diversity and usage) and landscape gradients (connectivity and coverage). It is not yet understood how these forest transition stages influence the quantity and quality of ecosystem services. Open access copy available |
Filling a void: Analysis of early tropical soil and vegetative recovery under leguminous, post-coal mine reforestation plantations in East Kalimantan, IndonesiaBACKGROUNDSurface mining is a common practice for obtaining coal, the world’s leading energy source. Surface mining removes vegetation, soil, and rocks to extract resources. In Indonesia, the world’s fifth largest coal producer, coal mining companies are required to rehabilitate mined sites. Companies typically plant exotic legume tree species because they quickly achieve canopy closure, limit invasive weeds, improve soil nitrogen, and create a light environment that helps with the recruitment of woody plants. This article looks to see whether natural forest succession occurs under leguminous plantations at rehabilitated coal mines in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Available with subscription or purchase |
Compensatory Afforestation in Odisha, India: A political ecology of forest restorationBackgroundOpen access copy available |
A systematic review of the socio-economic impacts of large-scale tree plantations, worldwideBackgroundLarge-scale tree plantations can provide raw material for industries and support climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. However, they can have positive and negative ecological and socioeconomic impacts. This paper presents the findings on a systematic review of literature on the socioeconomic impacts of large-scale tree plantations. Open access copy available |
Ecologies of the colonial present: Pathological forestry from the taux de boisement to civilized plantationsBackgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
Why do foresters plant trees? Testing theories of bureaucratic decision-making in central IndiaBackgroundThere is a long history of tree planting in India, and it continues to be favored by policy makers and bureaucrats at the state level. However, the author points out that the popularity of tree plantations is puzzling in the Indian case because firstly, it does not seem aligned with the goals of India’s forest policies which tend to emphasize ecosystem services rather than timber production and secondly, many degraded areas can regenerate naturally and do not require plantings to regenerate. This paper examines why tree plantations continue to be popular among state-level forest departments in India and how they are implemented in the field. Available with subscription or purchase |
Afforestation and reforestation programs in South and South East Asia under the Clean Development Mechanism: Trends and development opportunitiesBackgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
Limited effects of tree planting on forest canopy cover and rural livelihoods in rural IndiaBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Pitfalls of tree planting show why we need people-centered natural climate solutionsBackgroundTree planting campaigns are promoted as a solution to climate change, because of the ability of trees to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. However, research from the social and natural sciences suggests that tree plantations could have potentially negative consequences for people and ecosystems. In addition to failing to meet ecological targets, plantations can also lead to land alienation and the loss of livelihoods for communities. This paper discusses misconceptions about tree plantations. Open access copy available |
Site Relationships for Some Wood Properties of Pine Species in Plantation Forests of Southern AfricaBACKGROUNDThere are three main pine species that are planted in Southern African plantations. Genetic variation and its relationship with wood properties of pine wood has been extensively studied, however little is known about the influence of site on wood properties. Available with subscription or purchase |
