Landscapes
The Political, Social, and Ecological Transformation of a LandscapeBackgroundIn 1951 the Chinese Government issued the Decision on Cultivating Rubber Trees, which resulted in the establishment of large-scale rubber plantations in the tropical regions of China, including Xishuangbanna in southern Yunnan. These rubber plantations, worked by relocated Han Chinese, were a manifestation of state power on the landscape. Open access copy available |
Forest Cover and Deforestation Patterns in the Northern Andes (Lake Maracaibo Basin): A Synoptic Assessment using MODIS and Landsat ImageryBackgroundSouth America has the highest deforestation rates in the tropics. Yet, the science is often questioned when determining these rates. For example, Venezuela, which has the second highest rate in the region, produces government reports on deforestation that are continually questioned by third parties. This paper stresses the need for more accurate and consistent data on forest cover and greenhouse gase emissions from deforestation. Available with subscription or purchase |
The Savannization of Moist Forests in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, ColombiaBackgroundThis study in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta seeks to determine if savannas are natural or caused by anthropogenic factors. The authors use climate data from the past and present, the location of vegetation, and land use history to test their hypothesis. Available with subscription or purchase |
Facilitation of Forest Landscape Restoration on Abandoned Swidden Fallows in Laos using Mixed-Species Planting and Biochar ApplicationbackgroundThis article aims to assess the feasibility of a plantation with eight mixed native species fertilized with rice husk biochar as a technique for soil amendment at a specific site in Laos. Research Goals & MethodsThe use of biochar was compared to inorganic (NPK) fertilizer and to no fertilization. The effects on the planted seedlings establishment and growth were monitored for four years. Open access copy available |
Modelling the Effect of Forest Cover on Shallow Landslides at the River Basin ScalebackgroundThis study analyzes soil models that can be used to help predict soil erosion which are useful to prioritize reforestation areas of watersheds. Research Goals & MethodsThe researchers tested the models in a river basin in Ecuador. They collected data for soil moisture/matric potential, depth, and rainfall. Vegetation (overland flow resistance coefficient) and root cohesion data were derived from the literature, as was the evapotranspiration rate. Open access copy available |
Effect of Vegetation Restoration on Soil and Water Erosion and Nutrient Losses of a Severely Eroded Clayey Plinthudult in Southeastern ChinaBackgroundIn this study, researchers compare erosion from reforested and degraded sites in subtropical southeastern China. Goals & MethodsThe objective of the study was to estimate the long-term influences of reforestation on soil and water erosion and nutrient losses in regions of southeast China that are characterized by severely eroded bare land derived from Quaternary red clay. The study examined surface runoff, soil erosion, and soil nutrient content. Available with subscription or purchase |
Manual para restauração florestal: florestas de transição (Manual of forest restoration: transition forests)Open access copy available |
Vinculación entre el sustento de los agricultores, los árboles y el proceso de agua y suelos en las buenas prácticas de gestión de áreas de captación (Linking farmers livelihoods, trees and soils in water catchments management practices)Open access copy available |
Directrices de restauración ecológica en cuencas hidrográficas andinas: “Plan de manejo ambiental de la cuenca hidrográfica La Floresta – La Novita” (Guidelines for ecological restoration in Andean watersheds)EspañolantecedentesEl estudio forma parte del proyecto que tiene por objetivo la realización de un Plan de Manejo Ambiental de la Cuenca Hidrográfica La Floresta – La Novita para prevenir y controlar el proceso erosivo actual y recuperar el equilibrio ecológico de los ecosistemas nativos. Open access copy available |
Contribution to the Restoration of Mixed Forests in Central VietnamBackgroundThis article examines reforestation approaches for degraded forests in Central Vietnam and explores a forest management plan in Phong My. Available with subscription or purchase |
