Nurse Trees

Restoration of the Cerros Orientales de Bogota - Jardin Botanico de Bogota

The Jose Celestino Mutis Botanic Garden of Bogota works with the Municipal government of Bogota in order to restore and rehabilitate various areas of forest habitat around the city of Bogota.

The most extensive plantings are conducted in the Cerros Orientales, hills located on the outskirts of Bogota. This very steep mountain area had been cleared and was subject to severe erosion, and was planted with exotic pine and eucalyptus throughout the 19th and 20th century. Parts of this forest continue to be grazed for cattle, and many areas have also been invaded by the invasive European gorse (Ulex europaeus).

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Mixed-Species Plantings in Regreening the Bare Hills: Tropical Reforestation in the Asia-Pacific Region

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This chapter reviews the use of mixed plantations for the goal of reforestation. Mixed plantantions are a more efficient use of resources, pest resistance, and economic and ecological resilience. When establishing a new tropical reforestation program, if unaware of site conditions (and what species to choose), mixed plantations can provide greater insurance. Mixed plantations are more expensive to establish but may provide insurance against volatile markets.

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Effect of Prior Land Use on the Recolonization of Native Woody Species under Plantation Forests in the Highlands of Ethiopia

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This study analyzes the recolonization of native woody species in 16-18 year old plantation forests (Eucalyptus saligna and Cupressus lusitanica) in the highlands of Ethiopia.

Goals & Methods

Effects of recolonization were evaluated through assessing naturally regenerating flora (NRF) and soil seed banks (SSB) in plantation forests established on abandoned farmland and cleared natural forest sites. About 66 plant species were recorded in the NRF and 55 plant species germinated from the soil samples collected for SSB analysis.

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The Horseradish Tree, Moringa pterygosperma (Moringaceae)— A boon to Arid Lands?

Background

The horseradish tree (Moringa pterygosperma) is being introduced into drought-ridden lands t o augment the local food and fodder supply.This study evaluates the reforestation potential of Moringa in India and Africa. 

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Enriquecimiento de plantaciones de Pinus patula con especies nativas en el sur del Ecuador (Enrichment of Pinus patula plantations with native species in southern Ecuador)

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The Role of Nurse Trees in Mitigating Fire Effects on Tropical Dry Forest Restoration: A Case Study

Background

The authors of this study initially studied differential growth rates in a reforestation project of native tree species with nurse trees(Leucaena leucocephala) and without nurse trees when the area had two fire events. However, authors took advantage of the unplanned experiment to study the effects of fire in reforestation.

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Tanzania: Forest Restoration in the Shinyanga Region

Background

In the Shinyanga Region of Tanzania, deforestation, bush clearing, and overgrazing have been persistent problems. The government of Tanzania recognized the traditional ngitili system of land management as a potential solution. 

Open access copy available

Colonization of Non-Planted Mangrove Species into Restored Mangrove Stands in Gazi Bay, Kenya

Background

As mangroves are being recognized as some of the world’s most productive ecosystems, restoration efforts are being undertaken around the world. Not all projects are successful, however. This study will potentially help mangrove restoration practitioners with species selection.

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Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources through a Participatory Approach - Kenya

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This study reviews an ongoing mangrove restoration project in the Ghazi region of Kenya. The study seeks to improve the sustainable development and conservation of mangrove forests in order to enhance productivity of natural resources in ways that sustain continuous flow of desired forest products and services. All 10 mangroves found in the Indian Ocean region are found in Ghazi. The dominant mangroves in the Ghazi area are Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina.

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Reforesting the Sahel: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration

Background

This study describes the development of a simple income generating and self-promoting reforestation system called Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) developed in Maradi, Niger. FMNR is an agroforestry system based on the natural regeneration and management of tree systems from underground stumps.

Open access copy available
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