Estimation of biomass and carbon stocks in plants,soil and forest floor in different tropical forests

An accurate characterization of tree carbon (TC), forest floor carbon (FFC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) in tropical forest plantations is important to estimate their contribution to global carbon stocks. This information, however, is poor and fragmented. Carbon contents were assessed in patula pine (Pinus patula) and teak (Tectona grandis) stands in tropical forest plantations of different development stages in combination with inventory assessments and soil survey information. Growth models were used to associate TOC to tree normal diameter (D) with average basal area and total tree height (H_T), with D and H_T parameters that can be used in 6–26 years old patula pine and teak in commercial tropical forests as indicators of carbon stocks. The information was obtained from individual trees in different development stages in 54 patula pine plots and 42 teak plots. The obtained TC was 99.6 Mg ha⁻¹ in patula pine and 85.7 Mg ha⁻¹ in teak forests. FFC was 2.3 and 1.2 Mg ha⁻¹, SOC in the surface layer (0–25 cm) was 92.6 and 35.8 Mg ha⁻¹, 76.1 and 19 Mg ha⁻¹ in deep layers (25–50 cm) in patula pine and teak, respectively. Carbon storage in trees was similar between patula pine and teak plantations, but patula pine had higher levels of forest floor carbon and soil organic carbon. Carbon storage in trees represents 37 and 60% of the total carbon content in patula pine and teak plantations, respectively. Even so, the remaining percentage corresponds to SOC, whereas FFC content is less than 1%. In summary, differences in carbon stocks between patula pine and teak trees were not significant, but the distribution of carbon differed between the plantation types. The low FFC does not explain the SOC stocks; however, current variability of SOC stocks could be related to variation in land use history.     

Understory diversity and composition after planting of teak and mahogany in Yogyakarta,Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Forest rehabilitation is when a desired tree species is planted in degraded forests or lands. Rehabilitation by planting a single tree species is a common way to restore exploited forests to maintain ecological processes. We compared woody and herbaceous understory vegetation between forests rehabilitated by mahogany (N = 12) or teak (N = 12) planted from 1941 until 2003 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Understory vegetation of these areas was compared with that of three native forests. Species richness, species diversity, density of plants and proportion of native plants did not differ between the rehabilitated areas and the native forest. Recently rehabilitated areas were different from the native forests while 41–74 yr after rehabilitation, characteristics of understory vegetation approached those of native forest. We described species composition using ordination, and found it to differ between areas rehabilitated with teak and with mahogany and, particularly, between the rehabilitated areas and the native forests. Time since rehabilitation and tree species planted were important for the species composition of understory vegetation. We conclude that the selection of species for rehabilitation and letting rehabilitated areas mature are important for understory development and species diversity.     

Impact of plantation forestry with teak (Tectona grandis) on the nutrient status of young alluvial soils in West Venezuela

On alluvial sandy loams in the western Llanos of Venezuela, biomass and inventories of macronutrients were determined for ten teak plantations (0.5–9 years old) and a mature forest stand which preceded them. Mean tree and stratified random sampling methods of estimating biomass are compared with regression estimates.Aboveground biomass of the mature forest averages 398 t ha^?1. The average yearly productivity of biomass per ha of the teak plantations is greater on sites with soils having higher clay contents; It was measured as 23 t (9-year-old plantation), 16 t (7 years), 10–14 t (6 years) and 7–14 t (4 years).The original ecosystem stores per ha for these sites range between 8380 and 8840 kg N (total), 4550 and 4890 kg P, 2290 and 2540 kg K, 6720 and 6850 kg Ca and 960 and 1760 kg Mg.In the mature forest most N, P and Mg is stored in the soil, whereas 70% of the K and 40–50% of the Ca is stored in the vegetation. The ecosystem K stores of the teak plantations are an average of 40% lower than in the original forest. This difference is interpreted as being due to leaching loss caused by replacement of the original forest.Using data from the literature and from this study, a nutrient budget has been calculated for the first rotation period of teak. It is predicted that substantial amounts of Ca will be removed from the site by the teak harvest. These exports may not be replenished by atmospheric inputs and soil mineral weathering, especially on the highly productive sites.     

Influence of fly ash mixtures on early tree growth and physicochemical properties of soil in semi-arid tropical Alfisols

The beneficial effects of planting mixtures comprising of fly ash at the rate of 66%, 33% and 17% by soil volume were assessed for the early growth of two economic tree species, teak (Tectona grandis) and leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) in rainfed Semi-Arid Tropical (SAT) Alfisols in India. Measurements of tree growth were made at six monthly intervals over a 3-year period. Fly ash at 66% by soil volume of the planting pit significantly increased the diameter of teak at breast height (dbh). In leucaena, application of fly ash at 17% by soil volume was found to be effective in increasing dbh during most of the study period. Changes in soil physicochemical properties (bulk density, water retention at 0.033 and 1.5 MPa, profile moisture content, pH, soluble salt content and organic carbon) were simultaneously studied. Among these soil properties, plant available water (PAW) and organic carbon (OC) contents explained variations in diameter at breast height (dbh) in teak during most of the sampling period, while none of the soil properties significantly explained dbh in leucaena. The highest dose of fly ash applied (66% by volume) decreased bulk density (BD) and increased PAW in teak and to an extent in leucaena during the first 2 years of tree growth. Higher profile moisture content was noted in pits treated with 66% fly ash during the dry period of November (after the end of seasonal rainfall which occurred from June to October) during the first and second year after application. An erratum to this article can be found at     

针叶林阔叶化改造的森林生态防火效果初报

结合森林生态防火,引入木荷、苦槠、青冈、石栎、枫香等耐火目的树种对马尾松和杉木林退化系统进行阀叶化改造.在千岛湖区进行杉木间伐补植木荷、枫香,杉木萌芽林补植苦槠、青冈,马尾松林下补植枫香、青冈或苦槠、石栎四种不同阔叶化改造试验,3年后的调查测定结果表明:通过改造,优化了林分结构,马尾松阔叶化改造促进生态恢复的速度更为迅速.改造林分内枯落物比针叶林少,而枯落物含水率高;土壤含水率则因立地条件而异.阔叶化改造后具有明显提高生物多样性和防火效果及一定的涵养水源、保持水土作用.通过针叶林阔叶化改造,调整树种的组成结构、可燃物的空间分布,改善林地环境,以森林的片状控制代替林带控制,全方位有效控制森林火灾,在当前可持续发展和生态环境改善日益重视的社会背景与发展趋势下,具有推广应用前景.     

Site requirements of the endangered rosewood Dalbergiaoliveri in a tropical deciduous forest in northern Thailand

Planting native trees may complement and accelerate natural regeneration and support recovery of biodiversity in degraded forests. Before planting trees, however, there is a need for species-specific site selection criteria. This study investigates the site requirements of a valuable but endangered rosewood species, Dalbergia oliveri, with the purpose of restoring degraded deciduous forest in northern Thailand.     

林木氮素吸收偏好性及其形成机制研究进展

森林土壤中可被林木吸收利用的氮（N）素主要以铵态氮（NH₄+-N）和硝态氮（NO₃--N）的形态存在。受全球气候变暖、氮沉降和人类活动等因素的影响，NH₄+和NO₃-的分布存在很大的时间波动性和空间异质性，且NH₄+-N和NO₃--N亏缺已成为限制林地生产力的主要因素。在森林土壤N亏缺和N异质分布的逆境中，在林木长期进化过程中形成了对不同形态N素的吸收偏好，且这种吸收偏好会随生长环境条件而发生改变。特别是对于NH₄+和NO₃-这2种主要形态的偏好选择性已被证明是决定林木生产力、竞争、共存和生态演替的重要因素之一。对不同树种在N异质分布环境下的N吸收偏好和形成机制的研究，是揭示林木N素营养遗传特性和提高林地N素利用效率的关键。文中从森林土壤中N的主要形态及其分布特征、林木对不同形态N素的吸收偏好和形成机制、林木N吸收偏好的影响因素3个方面进行总结阐述，并对未来研究方向进行展望，以期为我国人工林培育中不同树种的造林配置和合理N素施肥技术提供理论依据和参考。     

柚木人工林疏伐试验研究

对闽南山地柚木人工林开展不同强度疏伐试验,结果表明,在Ⅲ类立地和初植密度1335株,hm2的条件下,7．5a生左右时即可开始进行疏伐;在疏伐强度10％-40％范围内,随着疏伐强度的加大,林分生长量、土壤肥力、光合作用强度等也趋于提高。根据生产实际,若以年均树高生长量达1．3m、胸径达1．5cm以上为目标,并结合生态效益,则适宜的首次疏伐强度为20％～40％,保留密度为750～1000株/hm2。     

Valuing acorn dispersal and resprouting capacity ecological functions to ensure Mediterranean forest resilience after fire

Ecological processes within forests provide vital ecosystem services to society, most of which depend on the persistence of tree cover that can be altered after the impact of a disturbance. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of seed dispersal and resprouting that mediate resilience to large fires and evaluate the economic costs that these ecological functions provide. We used field data from 412 plots of the Spanish National Forest Inventory providing information on pre- and post-fire conditions of Mediterranean Pinus spp. and Quercus spp.-dominated forests. Then, we determined the need for restoration (N _Rest) and estimated the minimum pre-fire densities needed to ensure adequate post-fire cover. Economic valuations were assessed through three different scenarios (Sc) of possible human-management actions aimed at ensuring proper post-fire tree cover: Sc. 1) a pre-fire management scenario evaluating the costs of planting Quercus spp. seedlings in the understory, mimicking the whole dispersal function; Sc. 2) a pre-fire scenario in which enrichment plantations increased the densities of natural oaks; and Sc. 3) a post-fire scenario where the restoration is done through planting pines within the burned area. Approximately 90% of the burned area (371 out of 412 plots) was able to recover after fire supporting the view that Mediterranean forests are resilient to fire. This resilience was primarily mediated by biotic seed dispersal and posterior resprouting of tree species. These ecological functions saved between 626 and 1,326 €/ha compared to the human-management actions. Ensuring key ecological processes within forests increases forest resilience and recovery after fire leading to a generally significant saving of economic resources. In a perspective of increased future impact of disturbances and decrease availability of economic resources for forest management, the implications of the present study can be far reaching and extended to other forest planning exercises.     

浙江海宁鼠尾山露采废弃矿山植被修复的群落结构和持水效应研究

采用客土喷播、植生袋围堰造坑植树和基质型容器苗种植等技术对浙江海宁鼠尾山露采废弃矿山进行植被修复,3 a后形成乔木盖度31％、灌木盖度52％、草本盖度59％的森林植物群落,物种多样性较丰富,与周边山体自然植被的相似度为0.127 6.地上部分灌木和草本的生物干质量为657.16 g·m-2,地下部分生物干质量为254.82 g·m-2,枯落物干质量148.82 g·m-2.地上灌草植被和枯落物及土壤三者合计的蓄持水量为15.5 kg·m-22.研究结果为矿山生态环境治理的生态效益评价提供了基础数据和科学依据.     

Growth and mineral nutrient analysis of teak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis>) grown on acidic soils in south China

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is widely planted in the world due to its high market demand, economic, ecological and social value. Its plantations have mostly been established and expanded into sites that are acidic to severely acidic in southern China. But, there are no available and specific evidence-based nutrient management techniques. To better recognize and understand the relationship between teak tree growth and nutrient content in the foliage and soil and establish nutrient norms are critical to optimally manage these young plantations. We studied the foliar nutrient and soil chemistry in 19 representative teak plantations aged 5–8 years. Regression analysis indicated that the mean annual increment of teak volume was linearly and positively correlated with foliar N, Ca, Fe and B concentrations, with soil base saturation percentage, available P and Zn concentrations, and negatively correlated with soil Al concentration. Only if the Ca and Mg contents in soil were enhanced, could the increase in soil base saturation percentage benefit teak growth. A revised classification of low-and high-yielding stands was established by using a sorting method of principal components over 6 foliar macro and 8 micro elements in a Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS). Specific DRIS norms for teak plantations in acid soils were derived. The nutrient balance of N, P, K Ca, Mg, Zn, B with Fe or Al, Ca with Mg, and Fe with Al provided a key to promote the growth of teak in acid soils. Meanwhile, soil Zn was also found as a primary trace element that affected teak growth in this study.     

红松陡坡丛状造林效果分析

在立地条件较差的陡坡山地进行丛状造林,可以充分利用一切可以利用的山地,提高造林的成活率和保存率,迅速恢复森林的生态环境。通过对红松(Pinus koraiensis Sieb.et Zucc.)陡坡丛状造林效果的研究分析,结果表明,陡坡丛状造林以3株一丛或5株一丛为宜,在不易发生水土流失的林地,初植密度以4 400株.hm-2为宜;立地条件较差,坡度较陡,易发生水土流失的林地,以6 600株.hm-2为宜;丛状造林保存率能达到70%以上,蓄积量比对照区提高38%～50%。     

Tree species growth under a rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantation: native restoration via enrichment planting in southern Bahia,Brazil

Enrichment planting is a technique that is gaining recognition for its potential to restore native forests. Due to the steep economic trade-offs involved and dearth of silvicultural and ecological knowledge about native flora, however, it remains unclear whether it has promise for widespread application. Focusing on growth performance, this study explores the restoration potential of twenty-one native tree species 3 years after planting in the understory of a rubber plantation in southern Bahia, Brazil. We tested the effects of slope, aspect, successional guild and basal area of the overstory rubber trees on the enriched species’ height, root collar diameter, and diameter at breast height. Height was the growth parameter that most differentiated species, with Parkia pendula, Sloanea monosperma, and Tachigali densiflora being three of the most successful species. Pioneer species grew faster than the non-pioneer species. Overstory basal area was the most important variable influencing the performance of the planted tree seedlings, while aspect and slope were less important. For every additional unit of basal area per hectare of rubber, there was an incremental decrease in the growth rates of the enrichment species. This suggests that the tree species are likely limited by available light, and that there are distinct trade-offs between overstory rubber density and understory tree species growth that are important to consider when accelerating forest recovery by using enrichment planting techniques.     

秦岭中段华山松林健康评价研究

本实验以秦岭中段华山松林为研究对象,在秦岭中段的火地塘林区,按照不同的立地条件,设置26块20 m×20 m的标准样地,以生态服务功能为依据,从活力、组织结构、土壤因素、抵抗力4个方面22个指标入手,对秦岭中段华山松林生态系统健康状况进行健康评价.结果表明:秦岭中段的华山松林整体活力指标较低,大部分都处在20～35年之...     

Evaluation of native tree species for the rehabilitation of deforested areas in a Mexican cloud forest

Four native tree species (Liquidambar styraciflua, Juglans pyriformis, Podocarpus matudae, and Carpinus caroliniana) were evaluated for their suitability in rehabilitating degraded areas of Mexican cloud forest. Plant survival and growth in height and diameter were determined in three mixed-experimental plantations with different land use histories; their performance was compared with two on-farm plantations started by landowners for forest restoration. Nearby forest fragments were controls for soil compaction. An experimental plantation with remnant trees had the highest plant survival (82%), height, basal diameter and relative growth rate. The plantation with the steepest slope had high plant survival (63%) and growth. The plantation characterized by dominance of grasses and compacted soils had the lowest survival (22%) and growth. On-farm plantations had good establishment of planted trees (5–10 species planted), and facilitated the recruitment of 9–11 woody species. Carpinus and Liquidambar appear to be suitable species for reforestation in all these areas. Podocarpus grew relatively slowly, although it performed well in two experimental sites. Juglans had high survival (76%) under the stressful conditions of the most adverse site, and therefore may be useful for rehabilitation of degraded sites. Differences among species and sites strongly suggest that species success depends on plantation site quality.     

Comparative study on growth,wood quality and financial returns of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) managed under three different agroforestry practices

Growth, wood quality parameters and productivity estimations of 12-year-old teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) grown under three agroforestry systems, namely unmanaged block (B_um), unmanaged line on the farm boundary (L_um) and intensively managed block (B_im) plantations are studied. Mean annual increment (MAI) of 0.020, 0.006 and 0.016 m³ tree^?1 year^?1 was recorded in L_um, B_um and B_im, respectively. Overall growth performance of teak raised in L_um, plantation appears to be better than two block plantations (B_um and B_im). For evaluating various wood quality parameters, tree logs from each plantation were tested for different physical and mechanical properties according to the standard procedures. The wood quality of B_um was found to be comparatively superior to B_im and much better than those of L_um. The 12-year-old farm teak trees from three systems exhibited lower average values of different wood quality parameters compared to mature forest teak. Since physical and strength properties of B_um were inferior compared to L_um and B_im, its exploitation is not advisable at this stage. Line plantation, however, releases land for cultivation of arable crops and does not demand any special silvicultural management as required by B_im. Although, total extractable volume of teak wood available after 12-years of age from B_um was much smaller compared to B_im or L_um, its commercial exploitation at an early age may be preferred over other two practices due to better wood quality and lower management cost. For optimum economic utilization and mechanical maturity of wood, harvesting of block plantation may be delayed for about 10-15 years because growth volume and strength properties are expected to improve with age of tree.     

Using ecological forest site mapping for long-term habitat suitability assessments in wildlife conservation—Demonstrated for capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

Although key factors for vegetation composition and structure, site and soil condition have received little attention as predictors of habitat suitability in wildlife ecology to date. Using the example of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), an indicator species for open, well-structured forest habitats, we evaluated the potential use of ecological forest site mapping for the identification of areas where the preferred vegetation structures are supported by the prevailing soil conditions. These are sites that we, therefore, expected to be of long-term relevance to the species.     

Strategies for empowering the local people to participate in forest restoration

Within various parts of the tropics and temperate regions, there are increasingly more efforts towards reforestation or restoration. Interventions in the tropics however, have not adequately addressed the needs of local people compelling them to degrade forests. We conducted a study in and around Mabira Forest Reserve in Uganda with the aim of assessing locally proposed restoration techniques and conditions for empowering local people to raise their willingness to participate in forest restoration practices. We specifically set out to; (i) identify proposed techniques to restore the degraded forests, and (ii) determine the pre-conditions for supporting local people’s participation in restoration activities. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participatory forest surveys. The findings show that the local people mainly engaged in practices that address their needs concurrently. The most reported practices include: planting trees on farm, enrichment tree planting in the forest, control of soil erosion, and control of invasive alien species. The main pre-conditions for their participation in forest restoration is assurance for more access to forest resources. The efficiency of local people in restoration will be enhanced by strengthening their capacity for collaborative forest management, raising their awareness on restoration, building their capacity, as well as continuous monitoring by forest managers.     

An explicit stem profile model for forked and un-forked teak (Tectona grandis) trees in West Africa

Studies on stem profile of teak (Tectona grandis) hardly exist. This can be possibly attributed to the occurrence of forks that is prevalent on teak trees. Stem profile model was therefore developed for teak in West Africa, which took into account the occurrence of forks. Trees were destructively sampled from Moist Evergreen Forest (MEF), Moist Semi-deciduous Forest (MSDF), Dry Semi-deciduous Forest (DSDF) and Savannah ecological zones in both Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire for the study. A single set of parameters could be used explicitly to predict stem profile of any teak tree, irrespective of country, eco-climatic zone, edaphic variables, site index, tree age, stand density and tree competition. The model efficiency and root mean square error (in relative diameter) were calculated to be 0.97 and 0.053, respectively. The relative position of the forks along the stem bole, with respect to total tree height, was highly variable and did not follow any particular trend, except higher value for the first fork in the Moist Evergreen Forest zone. However, average tree height to the first fork decreased along the ecological gradient from MEF, MSDF and DSDF to Savannah. The extent of diameter reduction due to the forks could be predicted. Relative tree form for zero-forked, one-forked and two-forked trees was calculated to be 0.39, 0.36 and 0.33, respectively. Relative loss of stem volume due to one fork and two forks was estimated to be 6.5 and 13.9%, respectively. The measured stem volume when related to the corresponding predicted value yielded coefficient and intercept not significantly different from unity and zero, respectively, with an r² value of 0.97.     

The effects of teak monoculture on forest soils: a case study in Bangladesh

Teak plantations date back to 1871 in Bangladesh.This study was designed to assess how teak monoculture has impacted the soil properties in Bangladesh.Multiple linear regression and correlation matrices were estimated to evaluate these impacts.The means of soil physicochemical properties were compared across various attributes of the plantations.Older plantations accumulated more organic carbon in the soils than the younger plantations.Excessive removal of litter from the forest floor resulted in reduced levels of N, P, K, and other nutrients in the soils.Since bulk density was continuously decreasing deeper into the soil, the penetration of mineral nutrients into the soil was low.Furthermore, moisture content in the topsoil was significantly lower than that in the bottom layers due to the exposed and dry condition of the forest floor under teak plantations.For improving depleted teak plantation soils, teak could be planted with other tree species rather than just in monocultures.In addition, the forest floor could be enriched with leguminous herbs and shrubs to improve soil health in these plantations.