Species Characteristics

Changes in litter decomposition and soil organic carbon in a reforested tropical deciduous cover (India)

Background

Soil organic carbon is built over time by vegetative decomposition. This study explores potential changes in soil organic carbon in India due to changing patterns of vegetation, such as deforestation, agricultural use, and reforestation with novel species compositions and disturbance cycles.

Open access copy available

Mahogany and Kadam planting farmers in South Kalimantan: the link between Silvicultural activity and stand quality

Background

Incentive 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

Reforestation with the Native Tree Alnus acuminata: Effects on Phytodiversity and Species Richness in an Upper Montane Rain Forest Area of Colombia

Background

This study takes place in the western cordillera in Colombia (Quindio). Upper montane forest is dominated by large Weinmannia (Alnus acuminata) plantations established from 1977-1978 on abandoned agricultural and grazing land (for erosion control), and secondary forest fragments that naturally colonized abandoned agricultural areas.

Available with subscription or purchase

Evaluation of Native Tree Species for the Rehabilitation of Deforested Areas in a Mexican Cloud Forest

background

This 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

Dominant Species’ Resprout Biomass Dynamics After Cutting in the Sudanian Savanna-Woodlands of West Africa: Long Term Effects of Annual Early Fire and Grazing

BACKGROUND

This 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

Fitossociologia de uma área de preservação permanente no Leste da Amazônia: indicação de espécies para recuperação de áreas alteradas

Open access copy available

Influências de Atta spp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) na recuperação da vegetação pós-fogo em floresta de transição amazônica

English

Background

This 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

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

background

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.

Available with subscription or purchase

Direct Seeding of Forest Trees in Grassland Communities of Carranglan, Luzon Island

background

This study concerns the survival of 12 native pioneer species and one exotic species when directly sown into grasslands (Themeda triandra and Imperata cylindrica grasses). They were monitored for 16 weeks . The Authors note that direct seeding studies are important because direct seeding is cheaper and faster than nursery propagation.

Available with subscription or purchase

Domestication of Dacryodes edulis: State-of-the-art

Background

This article provides an overview of the work being done to domesticate Dactryodes edulis, a fruit tree widespread to the humid lowlands of Central Africa. It focuses on a program in Cameroon coordinated by ICRAF that is based on a participatory approach of domesitcating D. edulis. 

Open access copy available
Subscribe to Species Characteristics