Species Characteristics
Effects of Above- and Below-Ground Competition of Shrubs and Grass on Calophyllum brasiliense (Camb.) Seedling Growth in Abandoned Tropical PasturebackgroundThis article evaluates the above and below-ground competition between grasses, shrubs, and woody seedlings in abandoned pastures in montane Costa Rica. Research Goals & MethodsOne-year-old seedlings of Calophyllum brasilense, a native early-successional tree species, were planted in patches of shrub growth and grass coverage. Seedlings were treated in one of four ways: reduction of root competition, reduction of above-ground competition, reduction of both forms of competition, and control (untreated). Available with subscription or purchase |
Experimental Tree Assemblages on the Ecological Rehabilitation of a Cloud Forest in Veracruz, MexicobackgroundThis research evaluates the survival of 10 native tree species planted in a heavily degraded montane forest in Veracruz, Mexico. Available with subscription or purchase |
Canopy development in tropical tree plantations: a comparison of species mixtures and monoculturesBackgroundThe establishment of plantation monocultures has dominated much of the intensive forest management practiced in the humid tropics of the Americas, with most forestry research and practice concentrating on a small number of non-indigenous species. Growing interest exists in modifying these practices both by creating mixed-species plantations and by making greater use of native tree species. Available with subscription or purchase |
Restoration of Pasture to Forest in Brazil's Mata Atlântica: The Roles of Herbivory, Seedling Defenses, and Plot Design in ReforestationBackgroundIn this study, seedling growth and herbivory were monitored during the first 4 years of plot development in a large-scale reforestation experiment in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlantica). Available with subscription or purchase |
Conifer Conservation and Reforestation ProjectBACKGROUNDOpen access copy available |
Forest Carbon Project in the Quirino Provience, PhilippinesBackgroundOver a 7 year span from 2003 to 2010, Conservation International Phillipines and ICRAF have conducted studies and developed initiatives to address carbon sequestration in the Sierra Madre Biodiversity Corridor region, which is a 1.4 million hectare forested region that is critical for biodiversity, hydrology, and other ecosystem services. Open access copy available |
Native Species: A Resource for the Diversification of Forestry Production in the Lowland Humid TropicsbackgroundThis research evaluates the success of native species for reforestation plantings in Costa Rica in comparison with exotic species. Research Goals & MethodsAt La Selva Biological Station, 80 species were planted in mixed stands of 8-12 species between 1987 and 1990. Growth characteristics and form for timber quality were collected for each species at 3 and 6 years after planting. Available with subscription or purchase |
Seedling survival and growth of native tree species in pastures: Implications for dry tropical forest rehabilitation in central PanamaBackgroundEnrichment planting of tree seedlings is a method for accelerating reforestation of pastures in Central America. Persistent presence of cattle can be an impediment to the survival of unprotected seedlings, although cattle may also be a source of nutrients. Grasses can also cause competitive pressure on newly planted seedlings. Open access copy available |
Between and Within-Site Comparisons of Structural and Physiological Characteristics and Foliar Nutrient Content of 14 Tree Species at a Wet, Fertile Site and a Dry, Infertile Site in PanamabackgroundThis study seeks to analyze how stress resulting from different amounts of precipitation and soil nutrients affects tree growth. The study hypothesized that tree structure and physiology as well as foliar nutrient content would be significantly different between the sites, and trees at the wet, fertile sites would perform better. Secondly, the study hypothesized finding a greater variability of integrated tree growth at the drier site, as plant stress is expected to accentuate differences in performance. Lastly, it was hypothesized that leaf mass area and foliar N would predict photosynthetic capacity. Available with subscription or purchase |
Growth of native forest species planted on abandoned pasture land in Costa RicaBackgroundReforestation programs in Costa Rica have largely utilized only four tree species. This study tests growth rates and form of eleven additional tree species native to the humid tropics, including five N-fixing species and six non-N-fixing species. Available with subscription or purchase |
