Cattle grazing under Pinus caribaea

An analysis is made of the animal stocking rate used in commercial Pinus caribaea plantations 2.5–8.5 yr old. Pines were planted at 2.5 × 2.5 m and programmed for clear-cut harvest at 10 yr rotations (pulpwood). Cattle grazing was introduced to reduce weeding costs.Stocking rate in 1983–1985 was 0.67 AU/ha/yr (AU = animal units 350 kg live weight). A quadratic model calculated using 1984 data (S = 0.0108 + 0.385A–0.0418A²) describes the relationship between animal stocking rate (S) and stand age (A 9.5 in yr).The model predicts a maximum of 0.89 AU/ha/yr at plantation age 4.5 yr. Grazing started at plantation ages 2.5 yr; no plantations older than 9.5 yr are grazed.     

Selection gains for essential oil traits using micropropagation of Eucalyptus polybractea

The value of eucalyptus oil for medicinal purposes is based largely on its cineole content, and the prime commercial species for pharmaceutical grade eucalyptus oil is Eucalyptus polybractea (blue mallee). This study applies a recently developed micropropagation protocol to selected elite oil yielding blue mallee seedlings and investigates the potential of a trial plantation based on micropropagated clones to increase cineole yields. The study aims to assess two micropropagated clones of blue mallee for growth and key essential oil traits in comparison to two related half-sibling families, and to assess consistency for oil traits within clones. After 23 months growth in a plantation, all ramets from the micropropagated clones appeared healthy and showed similar growth forms to the half-sibling saplings at the time of harvest. Total above ground biomass was significantly greater in the half-sibling families compared to their relative clones. Nevertheless, the foliar essential oil concentration and the proportion of the total oil as cineole was greatest in the clones compared to their related half-sibling families, reflecting the oil traits of the ortets. The oil composition profiles were very consistent within clones. This was particularly evident for cineole which had the remarkably narrow ranges of 90–92% in one clone and 92–94% in the other, suggesting strong genetic control of essential oil composition. Overall, the results suggest that micropropagation has great potential for the establishment of blue mallee plantations using genotypes selected for key oil traits. The application of the micropropagation protocol to older plants of blue mallee (for which both key oil and biomass traits are known) is likely to produce greater selection gains for cineole yield.     

Establishment and early growth of introduced indigenous tree species in typical plantations and shrubland in South China

Unsuccessful colonization by indigenous tree species into established plantations has retarded the succession of artificial plantations to more natural, secondary forests in South China. To understand how to improve colonization by seedlings of indigenous species, we determined how performance of indigenous seedlings is affected by seedling species (the shade-intolerant Castanopsis chinensis, the moderately shade-intolerant Michelia chapensis, and the shade-tolerant Psychotria rubra), the site into which the seedlings were transplanted (a mixed-legume plantation, a eucalyptus plantation, a mixed-native plantation, a mixed-conifer plantation, and a shrubland), and site preparation (removal or retention of understory vegetation and litter). Seedling survival and growth were generally increased by removal of understory vegetation and litter. C. chinensis and M. chapensis grew better in the mixed-legume and mixed-conifer plantations, while P. rubra grew better in mixed-native and mixed-conifer plantations. Responses of the transplanted seedlings to environmental factors were species specific. The effects of light on seedling survival and growth were correlated with the shade tolerance of the species. Soil moisture was important; it was positively correlated with survival but negatively correlated with growth of C. chinensis seedlings. Growth of C. chinensis and M. chapensis was positively correlated with soil potassium, while growth of P. rubra was positively correlated with soil organic matter but negatively correlated with soil hydrolyzed nitrogen. These findings suggest that we should select suitable native species under the different plantations before improvement of plantations. Light and soil moisture are most important environmental factors for the selection of species specific. Site preparation and fertilizer are needed during the improvement of those plantations.     

Wood‐rotting basidiomycetes are a minor component of fungal communities associated with Acacia hybrid trees grown for sawlogs in South Vietnam

Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × Acacia auriculiformis) clones are widely planted in Vietnam with a total of approximately 400,000 ha to meet the demand for pulpwood, sawn timber and wood chip exports. Silvicultural techniques such as pruning and thinning have been applied to improve productivity and sawlog quality of Acacia hybrid plantations. However, those techniques may also create opportunities for wood decay fungi to enter the Acacia hybrid stems through wounds and cause stem defects that reduce sawlog quality and the value of the plantation. The presence of fungal decay agents in Acacia hybrid trees was examined in two Vietnamese plantations. In July 2011, just prior to a second thinning, discoloured wood samples were taken from a three‐year‐old Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai for the isolation of fungi. In July 2012, approximately 18 months after pruning and thinning treatments, discoloured wood samples were taken from a three‐year‐old Acacia hybrid plantation at Nghia Trung for the isolation of fungi. DNA sequencing of the rDNA ITS identified the isolates. In May 2015, approximately 4 years after thinning and fertilizer treatments, discoloured and decayed wood samples were taken from the above (7‐year‐old) Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai for fungal identification. DNA was extracted directly from discoloured and decayed wood samples and fungal rDNA ITS amplicons sequenced on a Roche 454 sequencer. The results showed that silvicultural treatments did not affect the fungal communities associated with discoloured and decayed wood of Acacia hybrid plantation at Phan Truong Hai. A total of 135 fungal species or OTUs (operational taxonomic units) were identified, including 82 members of Ascomycota and 52 Basidiomycota.     

Silvicultural and economic aspects of pure and mixed native tree species plantations on degraded pasturelands in humid Costa Rica

Reforestation of degraded land in tropical regions provides one means of restoring ecosystems and improving rural livelihoods. Most plantations in humid tropical regions are established in pure plots, including few species of high commercial value, generally exotics. The present study compares growth and economic viability of 15–16 year-old trees of native species in pure and mixed plantations on degraded pasturelands at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. The species with the best growth were Vochysia guatemalensis, Virola koschnyi, Jacaranda copaia, Terminalia amazonia, and Hieronyma alchorneoides. The mixed plantations performed better than pure plantations for all growth variables considered, including height, diameter at breast height, volume, and aboveground biomass. Mixed plantations outperformed pure plantations economically, with Net Present Value (NPV) of 1,124 to1,124 to 8,155/ha and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 7.7–15.6% depending on the species mixture. The most profitable pure plantations were those of Vochysia guatemalensis, with NPV and IRR of $6,035/ha and 14.3%, respectively; Hieronyma alchorneoides ($6,035/ha and 14.3%, respectively; Hieronyma alchorneoides (2,654 and 10.8%); and Virola koschnyi ($1,906/ha and 9.22%). These are the estimated benefits that would be accrued at harvest. These projections are realistic since the decision to harvest is generally mandated not just by profit maximization but by economic necessity, thus many small- to medium-scale farmers in Costa Rica harvest plantations prior to the completion of the rotation length. Mixed plantation may be the preferred system for reforestation with native species designed for timber production or carbon sequestration because this system is more economically viable and productive than pure plantations.     

Do pine plantations provide mycorrhizal inocula for seedlings establishment in grasslands from Patagonia,Argentina?

We investigated if Pinus ponderosa plantations in Patagonia are able to produce viable mycorrhizal inocula towards adjacent grasslands, which only harbor endomycorrhizal vegetation. We hypothesized that these inocula have the potential to contribute to the establishment of naturally disseminated seedlings. Also, we determined the main fungal taxa involved in this process. Seven plantations in the onset of their reproductive phase and located in the Patagonian native forest/steppe ecotone (Argentina) were selected. Soil samplings were obtained at nine points along a 450 m long, W-E transect established in each plantation. Soil bioassays were performed in a greenhouse, with P. ponderosa seedlings acting as hosts for mycorrhizal inocula present in soil samples, during 12 months. Mycorrhization percentage, morphotype richness and morphotype composition was determined through morphological evaluation. Viable ecto- and ectendomycorrhizal inocula were found disseminated outside plantations. The amount of mycorrhizal inoculum followed a decreasing function with distance to plantation edges. Mycorrhizal fungal genus Rhizopogon and “E-strain” mycorrhizal types appeared as pioneering taxa regarding seedlings colonization, being the most persistent and frequent symbionts found. Plantations, thus, facilitate the surrounding terrain for newcoming seedlings through the dispersion of mycorrhizal fungal inocula.     

Repellent and stocking guards reduce mammal browsing in eucalypt plantations

Mammalian herbivores regularly browse plantation seedlings. In many areas, seedlings require some form of protection if they are to survive and grow into a productive plantation. Two general approaches for reducing browsing damage to seedlings are to apply chemical repellents and tree guards. Both methods have existed for a long time, and new variations are constantly being developed. Seedling stocking guards, a type of tree guard, are being used operationally in Tasmania, Australia, but there is limited data quantifying their effectiveness and concerns with negative effects on tree performance. Conversely, although proven effective, repellents are not being used, but are potentially cheaper and less problematic. We therefore aimed to determine which is more effective under operational conditions, whether this effectiveness can be improved or extended, and if either treatment has any effects on seedling form or survival. We planted Eucalyptus nitens seedlings with combinations of repellent and stocking guards in six operational plantations to examine and compare their effectiveness. Seedlings were monitored for 12 months to examine treatment longevity. We found that both stocking guards and repellent significantly reduced and delayed browsing severity, with their effects being additive. No negative effects on growth were evident after 12 months, but adverse effects on seedling form warrant further investigation. Both of these methods can be easily and relatively cheaply applied in the nursery before planting, making them appealing options to reduce browsing. However, the ideal method for a given site will depend upon local browsing intensity.     

A comparative assessment on regeneration status of indigenous woody plants in Eucalyptus grandis plantation and adjacent natural forest

Diversity, density and species composition of naturally regenerated woody plants under Eucalyptus grandis plantation and the adjacent natural forest were investigated and compared. Twenty plots, with an area of 20 m × 20 m for each, were established in both of E. grandis plantation and adjacent natural forest, independently. In each plot, species name, abundance, diameter and height were recorded. Numbers of seedling were collected in five sub-plots (4 m²) within each major plot. A total of 46 species in the plantation, and 52 species in the natural forest, which belongs to 36 families were recorded. The diversity of species (H′) is 2.19 in the plantation and 2.74 in the natural forest. The density of understory woody plant was 3842 stems/ha in the plantation and 4122 stems/ha in the natural forest. The densities of seedlings in the natural forest and the plantation were 8101 stems/ha and 4151 stems/ha, respectively. High similarity of woody species composition was found between the natural forest and the plantation. The E. grandis plantation was found favoring the regeneration and growth of Millitia ferruginia and Coffea arabica in a much better way than other underneath woody species.     

Growth and ecophysiology of seedlings of Podocarpus falcatus in plantations of exotic species and in a natural montane forest in Ethiopia

The potential role of exotic tree plantations in facilitating successional processes on degraded areas was evaluated in southern Ethiopia by comparing seedling characteristics, transpiration and photo-synthetic performance of Podocarpus falcatus seedlings in Eucalyptus plantation, Pinus plantation, adjacent natural forest and clear-felled plantation site. P. falcatus seedlings exhibited differences in architecture between Eucalyptus and Pinus plantations. They had higher leaf area, shorter internode length and greater number of lateral branches in Eucalyptus plantation. At similar vapor pressure deficit (VPD), P. falcatus transpired much less than E. saligna, especially at higher VPDs. Analysis of fluorescence parameters in the leaves showed no significant differences in the level of dark-adapted and light-adapted fluorescence yield (Fv /Fm and ΔF/Fm, respectively), electron transport rate (ETR) and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) among seedlings grown inside plantations and adjacent natural forest, indicating similar photosynthetic performance. Nevertheless, there was evidence of photoinhibition in P. falcatus in the clear-felled site which had low fluorescence yield but high values of NPQ as protection from photoamage. The light response curves of ETR, NPQ and ΔF/F m , showed similar light saturation behavior among the seedlings grown inside plantations and natural forest and suggested a sequence of light-adapted to shade-adapted behavior in Natural forest > Eucalyptus plantation > Pinus plantation. The results show the structural flexibility, better water-use and adaptability of P. falcatus in its use of the understory environment of plantation species.     

World view of Gmelina arborea: opportunities and challenges

Gmelina arborea Roxb. (gmelina) occurs naturally in 11 countries in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Approximately 700,000?ha of gmelina have now been established in plantations, small woodlots and agroforestry settings in west-central and eastern Africa, southeast Asia, the South Pacific, and northern Latin America. It is expected that planting areas will expand to 800,000?ha by 2020. The species has generated interest because of its fast growth and quick return on investment. Its wood can be used for a multitude of products that range from pulp to furniture parts. Gmelina also has great utility in agroforestry systems. Intensive breeding and improved clones will bring better growth, more uniform wood, better disease resistance, and products of higher quality to both local and international markets. Several factors might limit the degree of improvement and use of gmelina: (a) the species is susceptible to insect attacks and disease which might limit plantation expansion, (b) artificial pollinations are labor intensive and sometimes difficult to complete successfully, thus delaying breeding cycles and deployment of elite populations and clones and (c) the wood density of gmelina is approximately 410?kg/m³ at 8 years of age, which is lower than most commercial species of eucalypts and acacias. Low density affects pulp yields and product strength. These challenges can be met by: (a) development of clones resistant to insect and disease attacks as a cost effective means to maintain plantation stocking and productivity, (b) development of one-stop pollination techniques to increase pollination success rates and reduce the work loads in breeding programs, and (c) utilization of the great tree to tree variation in wood properties in gmelina to develop new races of trees that have both desirable growth rates and dense wood. Access to a broad genetic base of gmelina is central to meeting these challenges.

Palabras clave: Conservación, Mejoramiento, Plantaciones, Propiedades de madera, Silvicultura

Resumen. La Gmelina arborea Roxb. (gmelina) es nativa de 11 países, en regiones tropicales y subtropicales de Asia. Hasta el momento, aproximadamente 700,000 ha de gmelina han sido establecidas en plantaciones, lotes de árboles y en sitios agroforestales en el oeste central y el este de África, el sureste de Asia, el Pacifico Sur y el norte de América Latina. Se espera que para el año 2020, las áreas de plantación se hayan extendido a 800,000?ha. Esta especie ha generado interés debido a su rápido crecimiento y pronto retorno de inversión. Su madera puede ser utilizada en una multitud de productos, los cuales van desde pulpa de madera hasta partes para muebles. Además, la gmelina es de gran utilidad en programas agroforestales. El mejoramiento genético intensivo y clones mejorados darán como resultado un mejor crecimiento, madera más uniforme, mejor resistencia a las enfermedades y productos de mayor calidad tanto para los mercados locales como los internacionales.

Existen varios factores que pueden limitar el grado de mejoramiento y el uso de la gmelina: (a) la susceptibilidad de la especie al ataque de los insectos y las enfermedades, lo cual puede limitar la expansión de las plantaciones, (b) las polinizaciones artificiales requieren de mucha mano de obra y son dificiles de completar lo cual demora ciclos de mejoramiento y la utilización de las poblaciones élite y clones, y (c) la densidad de la madera de la gmelina a los 8 años de edad, de aproximadamente 410?kg/m³, es más baja que la densidad de la mayoría de las especies comerciales de eucalipto y acacias. La baja densidad afecta los rendimientos de pulpa y la fortaleza del producto. Estos retos pueden ser superados por medio de: (a) el desarrollo de clones resistentes al ataque de insectos y enfermedades como una forma económica y efectiva de mantener la densidad de plantaciones y su productividad, (b) el desarrollo de técnicas de polinización de un solo paso para aumentar las tasas de éxito de la polinización y reducir las cargas de trabajo en los programas de mejoramiento, y (c) el uso de la gran variabilidad de las propiedades de madera de la gmelina de árbol a árbol, para poder desarrollar nuevas razas de árboles las cuales tengan buenas tasas de crecimiento, y una densidad de madera deseada. El acceso a una amplia base genética es clave para poder alcanzar estos retos.

     

Poor Stem Form as a Potential Limitation to Private Investment in Koa Plantation Forestry in Hawaii

Providing economic incentives to landholders is an effective way of promoting sustainable forest management, conservation and restoration. In Hawaii, the main native hardwood species with commercial value is Acacia koa (koa), but lack of successful examples of koa plantation forestry hinders private investment. Financial models, which have been offered to encourage investment, assume that a particular minimum volume of merchantable wood will be harvested at rotation age. No studies have been done to determine the appropriateness of the assumed volumes for koa plantations. Three 18- to 28-year-old koa plantations were studied to determine butt-log size, crown class and crop tree potential. Estimates of present and future merchantable sawtimber volume were made for each plantation. Results indicate that most existing plantation koa trees fork so close to the ground that they will produce little to no merchantable wood. Projected sawtimber yields from crop trees in these plantations at age 45 years are 10, 15 and 90 m³/ha, which are below the 135 m³/ha yield used in the most recent financial analysis of returns on investment in koa forestry. Relaxing the crop tree criteria gives higher volume yields, but two plantations still fall short of the assumed target yield by 43 and 52%. Given such shortfalls, returns on investment will be less than predicted by the financial analysis. Nevertheless, government offered financial incentives should compensate for lower volume yields and thus promote private investment in koa plantation forestry. Insect herbivory, genetic diversity, and low stand density contribute to poor stem form of plantation koa, and research is needed to quantify the relative importance of and interactions between these factors.     

关于我国人工林长期生产力的保持

为了保持我国人工林的长期生产力和提高森林质量,达到可持续经营的目的。作者在以往研究工作的基础上,广泛收集了国内外有关成果与资料,概括论述了我国人工林森林生产力的现状、不能保持生产力的原因与机理以及长期保持人工林生产力的技术对策。按第八次清查的全国森林资源数据,每公顷蓄积量为89.79 m^3,其中天然林为104.6 m^3,人工林为52.76 m^3,人工林森林生产力明显低于天然林;我国优势树种人工林每公顷蓄积量也不高,如杉木为69.8 m^3,马尾松为56.2 m^3,落叶松为58.6 m^3,这些数据比日本2002年3月公布的人工林相似树种的数据低很多,如日本针叶树蓄积量为227.97 m^3·hm^-2,柳杉为295.83 m^3·hm^-2,落叶松为189.88 m^3·hm^-2。关于年生长量,按全国第七次资源清查的中龄林与近熟林的数据做统计:杉木人工林5.2~4.2 m^3·hm^-2,马尾松为3.2~1.8 m^3·hm^-2,柏木为3.4~3.2 m^3·hm^-2;但按作者掌握的我国重点或示范性、试验性小面积人工林生长量看,却很高,按我国编制的速生丰产林标准的生长量数据看比较高。我国大面积人工林生产力不高,短周期经营的杨树、桉树人工林也不高,主要原因是:(1)纯林化与针叶化严重。按第八次全国森林资源统计,纯林占人工林的85%,而且针叶化明显,人工乔木林10个优势树种中针叶林比例高达56.9%。人工纯林结构简单,生物多样性低,生物学上缺乏稳定性。人工纯林特别是针叶纯林,抗性低,抗自然灾害和大气污染能力均差,人工纯林维护地力的能力也弱。(2)集约育林的技术措施:立地控制技术未得到推广,适地适树适品种原则在育林中未能认真贯彻;密度、植被、地力控制技术也执行不力,大面积上的人工林仍属于粗放经营;连作引起林地土壤理、化、生物特性恶化,土壤质量衰退,导致林木生长不良,林分生产力逐代下降;造林作业造成水土流失,如杉木造林,传统的育林技术未得到明显改进,福建尤溪炼山后进行的3年观测结果表明,炼山和水土流失损失的有机质高达989.35 kg·hm^-2,养分586.26 kg·hm^-2。桉树在砖红壤进行的机耕整地,水土流失也很严重,不合理的造林作业,最终导致土壤质量与森林生产力下降。短周期培育人工林带来了2个重要问题,一是对林地肥力要求高,二是如何利用无性系才能保持长期生产力。短周期经营采用的无性系,生长速度快,生长量大,轮伐期短,养分需求量大,如刚果12号W5无性系,通常利用地上部分,以5~7 a的轮伐期计,消耗的养分达571.75 kg·hm^-2,我国培养短周期人工林的土壤质量本底原本普遍不高,如果采取连作,土壤有机质养分会明显下降,土壤质量衰退,并对其功能产生危害。我国杨树、桉树等人工林要达到短周期持续经营,还需要实行多无性系造林。我国人工林长期生产力保持的技术对策,应采取先进的集约育林措施,包括遗传控制、立地控制、密度控制、植被控制与地力控制。     

Stocking rate mediates responses of mid-rotation loblolly pine in west-central Arkansas. 2. Profitability

Further study is needed on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth in a systematic array of plantation designs or stocking rates commonly used in temperate forestry and agroforestry practices. Our objective was to determine loblolly pine growth responses and agroforestry implications of 13 plantation designs (i.e., stocking rates in trees ha⁻¹ [TPH]) at mid-rotation (14 years old). Survival, diameter at 1.3 m above soil surface (dbh), height, basal area (BA), and volume (V) were measured in unthinned plantations ranging from 490 to 2,300 TPH. Stocking rate was positively correlated with BA (r ≥ 0.67) and V (r ≥ 0.55) and negatively correlated with survival (r ≤ −0.83) and dbh (r ≤ −0.83). Plantations with ≥2,000 TPH had closed canopies and excessively high BA and V at mid-rotation. The 4- and 5-row plantations (≥12 m alley spacing) had small dbh (≤17.5 cm). Single-row plantations with ≥3.6 m within row spacing and ≤700 TPH, and the 3-row multiple-row plantations (1,200 TPH), had acceptable BA (29.4–33.2 m² ha⁻¹) and V (127–136 m³ ha⁻¹). Basal area was ≥30 m² ha⁻¹ in most plantations indicating thinning is needed to optimize individual tree growth. Besides timber, an array of design-dependent agroforestry and forestry products should drive the selection of any one of these plantation designs: pine straw or biomass production at ≥1,800 TPH, and alley cropping or silvopasture in single-row (≤1,000 TPH) and multiple-row plantations (<1,400 TPH).     

Oak/Douglas-fir/sheep: A three-crop silvopastoral system

A small scale agroforestry study which was begun in 1952 was revisited in 1985 to evaluate the long-term influence of site preparation and grazing on tree growth and survival in a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)-white oak (Quercus garryana)-sheep silvopastoral system. In 1952–1953, two-year-old Douglas-fir seedlings were planted at the rate of 2500 trees/ha under three levels of site preparation: (1) no treatment, (2) oak thinned by 50%, and (3) oak clearcut. From 1954 to 1960, yearling ewes grazed one-half of each of the three thinning treatments for 3–4 weeks each spring. The conifers have been undisturbed since grazing was discontinued in 1960. Survival of planted conifers averaged 64% in 1985 and did not vary among either site preparation or grazing treatments. From 1964 to 1985, trees on the thinned and clearcut plantations grew an average of 1060 and 990 cm in height, respectively, compared to 900 cm on the unthinned plantation. Diameter at breast height (dbh) averaged 3.8 and 5.6 cm greater on thinned or clearcut plantations, respectively, than on the unthinned control by 1985 (p < 0.05). Conifers on grazed plantations had increased height and dbh growth during the first 12 years of plantation life, averaging 63 cm taller (p < 0.10) and 0.7 cm greater in dbh (p < 0.05) than the ungrazed plots by 1964. By 1985 the difference in height (122 cm) and dbh (1.0 cm) between grazed and ungrazed plantations was not statistically significant. These data suggest that although site preparation can positively influence conifer growth, total clearfelling is no better than thinning oaks. Furthermore, proper grazing can increase height and dbh growth of the conifers during and immediately after the grazing years.     

Moisture extraction and crop yield as a function of distance from a row of Eucalyptus tereticornis

A study was made on the effect of an east-west tree line of years old Eucalyptus tereticornis on soil physical parameters and adjoining mustard and wheat crops as a function of distance from the tree-crop interface in north- and south-facing sides. Maximum soil temperature, pan evaporation, moisture extraction, number of plants/m², and yields of mustard and wheat did not differ significantly on the two sides of plantation. Plant growth parameters decreased linearly with distance from the plantation. Mustard yield, Y (kg/ha) was linearly related to moisture extraction, ME (mm) as Y = 1914–120.3 ME. Eucalyptus tereticornis was found to extract 5 times more water than mustard from 0–150cm soil profile. Mustard and wheat yield reductions in adjoining 10 meter strips on both sides of the plantation were 47 and 34 per cent, respectively. Eucalyptus tereticornis is, therefore, not a suitable species for row plantations in agro-forestry systems in deep water table conditions of semi-arid regions.     

Oak/Douglas-fir/sheep: A three-crop silvopastoral system

A small scale agroforestry study which was begun in 1952 was revisited in 1985 to evaluate the long-term influence of site preparation and grazing on tree growth and survival in a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)-white oak (Quercus garryana)-sheep silvopastoral system. In 1952–1953, two-year-old Douglas-fir seedlings were planted at the rate of 2500 trees/ha under three levels of site preparation: (1) no treatment, (2) oak thinned by 50%, and (3) oak clearcut. From 1954 to 1960, yearling ewes grazed one-half of each of the three thinning treatments for 3–4 weeks each spring. The conifers have been undisturbed since grazing was discontinued in 1960. Survival of planted conifers averaged 64% in 1985 and did not vary among either site preparation or grazing treatments. From 1964 to 1985, trees on the thinned and clearcut plantations grew an average of 1060 and 990 cm in height, respectively, compared to 900 cm on the unthinned plantation. Diameter at breast height (dbh) averaged 3.8 and 5.6 cm greater on thinned or clearcut plantations, respectively, than on the unthinned control by 1985 (p < 0.05). Conifers on grazed plantations had increased height and dbh growth during the first 12 years of plantation life, averaging 63 cm taller (p < 0.10) and 0.7 cm greater in dbh (p < 0.05) than the ungrazed plots by 1964. By 1985 the difference in height (122 cm) and dbh (1.0 cm) between grazed and ungrazed plantations was not statistically significant. These data suggest that although site preparation can positively influence conifer growth, total clearfelling is no better than thinning oaks. Furthermore, proper grazing can increase height and dbh growth of the conifers during and immediately after the grazing years.     

Variability of some wood properties of eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) clones

The objective of this article is to investigate the variability in chemical composition, fiber length, and basic wood density (specific gravity) amongst clones. Wood samples were taken from an experimental plantation in a dense 2.5 × 2.5 m wood, i.e., 1600 trees/ha. The plantation consisted of 127 clones which were selected in the nursery from 11 eastern cottonwood (P. deltoides Bartr., section Aigeiros) half-sib progenies. The physical, structural, and chemical characteristics of 40 poplar clones aged four years were investigated in three model trees from each clone. There are significant differences between the contents of the individual components of the wood chemical composition. The values of the heritability factor are high and they are similar for lignin (0.936), holocellulose (0.937) and for the extractives content (0.999). The mean value of the basic wood density is 380 kg/m³ (coefficient of heritability is 0.938), and the mean value of the fiber length is 863 m (coefficient of heritability 0.611).     

我国樟子松人工林天然更新研究进展

樟子松人工林天然更新问题的研究一直在进行,但人工林内幼苗数量过少及难以发育为幼树的问题一直难以彻底解决。文中综述了影响我国沙地樟子松人工林天然更新能力的因素,如光照、温度、水分、土壤环境、生物因子及人工营林技术等的研究概况。在研究过程中发现,樟子松人工林的遗传多样性与土壤微生物对樟子松人工林天然更新影响方面的研究尚少有报道,或可以为解决樟子松人工林天然更新问题提供更深入的思路。     

Grouping of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> (L.f.) clones using wood color and stiffness

Commercial Tectona grandis plantations using clones have attracted considerable interest for lumber production in tropical regions where small areas are frequent. However, studies on wood properties are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to group clones with similar wood color characteristics using the CIELab system, and mechanical resistance by dynamic stiffness (Ed) in order to obtain different types of clones for different climate and edaphic conditions. It was found that lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), redness (a*), and Ed are similar to those found for other plantation trees. These wood characteristics are significantly influenced by clone and site. Variance due to clone and site went from 31 to 53% and from 2.95 to 24.22%, respectively. Another source of variance was distance from pith, with the exception of parameter b*, which was not affected. Finally, clones were grouped (using multivariate analysis) according to color and mechanical resistance. This analysis established 4 groups by color and 5 groups by Ed. Clone clustering will allow us to choose or use clones with similar wood properties according to site and environmental conditions increasing area production and wood quality uniformity.     

Indigenous livelihood systems in industrial tree-plantation areas in West Kalimantan, Indonesia: Economics and plant-species richness

An integrated tree plantation approach combining indigenous livelihoods and industrial wood production is being implemented in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. In this study the economics of land-use was investigated in villages within the plantation scheme. The effect of three alternative land-use scenarios and costs and benefits of each land-use type were studied using linear programming. The scenarios were based 1) on the current land-use, 2) on the integrated tree plantation system with incentives and government regulations, and 3) on a financially optimal land-use distribution. Additionally, plant species richness in different land-use types was surveyed. The scenarios had different kinds of effects on villages varying in respect to their possibilities for land-use intensification. In villages with extensive land use, establishment of tree plantations without any land-use regulations increased the potential economic return on land, resulting in conversion of natural and man-made semi-natural forests into swidden fields. In villages with more sedentary agriculture, the plantation scheme did not create pressures towards remaining forests even in the case of financially optimal land-use distribution. Incorporation of land-use regulations prevented further deforestation but also decreased households' economic returns. The results also showed that conversion of Imperata grasslands to any other land-use increased species richness. Incentives, restrictions or regulations aiming at conserving natural and semi-natural forests are needed to ensure conservation of biodiversity and long-term improvements in local livelihoods. It can be concluded that tree plantations can be combined with other land-use practices: They can improve the economic return on land without further degradation of the environment.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.