Growth, Yield and Survivability
Disturbance and Tropical Pioneer Species: Patterns of Association Across Life History StagesBAckgroundThe authors studied pioneer species common in the Sinharaja World Heritage Reserve in Sri Lanka to characterize differences in relation to canopy openness and type, and intensity of disturbance using a combination of field work, canopy photos, and regression models. Available with subscription or purchase |
Structural Properties of Two Types of Mangrove Stands on the Northwestern Coast of Sri LankabackgroundThis article compares the structural diversity of six mangrove stands of both estuarine and island-fringing types in Puttalam lagoon and Dutch Bay in northwestern Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsUsing belt transects, the authors measured floristic composition, tree height and leaf-area index and calculated density, basal area and mean stand diameter. Standing above-ground biomass was also measured and compared to dbh using destructive sampling methods. Available with subscription or purchase |
Variation in Canopy Structure, Light and Soil Nutrition Across Elevation of a Sri Lankan Tropical Rain ForestBackgroundThis study aims to examine differences in resource availability across elevation and geology in mixed dipterocarp forest by measuring light, soil nutrition and soil water availability in relation to forest structure in southwest Sri Lanka. Available with subscription or purchase |
Growth, biomass, carbon storage and nutrient distribution in Gmelina arborea stands on red lateritic soils in central IndiaBackgroundLarge-scale plantations are being established on degraded lands in India to restore the productivity of these soils and landscapes and to sequester atmospheric carbon. Gmelina arborea is a fast-growing indigenous tree used for timber, fuelwood, pulp and fodder already in use in reforestation projects. However, its growth and biomass production has been inadequately studied, particularly in the poor red laterite soils that dominate degraded landscapes. Available with subscription or purchase |
Towards recovery of native dry forest in the Colombian Andes: a plantation experiment for ecological restorationBackgroundRegeneration of native forest after disturbances, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, often progresses slowly or is arrested at a successional stage. This study evaluates the effectiveness of native tree plantings as a restoration strategy in a semi-arid Andean valley. Open access copy available |
Dominant Species’ Resprout Biomass Dynamics After Cutting in the Sudanian Savanna-Woodlands of West Africa: Long Term Effects of Annual Early Fire and GrazingBACKGROUNDThis study examines the potential for forest regeneration after harvest in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The study area is a tropical dry forest of tree-shrub dominated by trees of Combretaceae and Mimosaceae (Fabeaceae). The area is part of the Sudanian savanna ecoregion, stretching across Africa , and receives approximately 700-1200 mm of rain, interspersed by a 6-7 month dry season. Firewood is the major source of home energy. It is estimated that 25-50% of the forest area naturally burns each year, and all areas burn every 2-3 years. Cattle browsing is also common in the region, especially on the grass that sprouts after burns. Open access copy available |
Mahogany and Kadam planting farmers in South Kalimantan: the link between Silvicultural activity and stand qualityBackgroundIncentive structures in Indonesia have promoted forest plantations conducted and managed in partnership with local farmers. This paper examines the relationship between farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, silvicultural activity and the quality of their mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and kadam (Anthocephalus/Neolamarkia cadamba) plantation stands in two independent case study villages in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Available with subscription or purchase |
Evaluation of Native Tree Species for the Rehabilitation of Deforested Areas in a Mexican Cloud ForestbackgroundThis study examines the survival of four native tree species used in mixed-experimental plantations in the tropical montane forest of Veracruz, Mexico (1300-1900m). Tropical montane covers only 1% of land surface in Mexico but contains ~ 10% of all flowering plants. In Veracruz, forest fragments occupy on 10% of the oringinal forest cover. Available with subscription or purchase |
Fitossociologia de uma área de preservação permanente no Leste da Amazônia: indicação de espécies para recuperação de áreas alteradasOpen access copy available |
Influências de Atta spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) na recuperação da vegetação pós-fogo em floresta de transição amazônicaEnglishBackgroundThis article presents an investigation of the role of leaf-cutter ants in the recovery of vegetation after fire, in an Amazonian transitional forest, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Open access copy available |
