Rehabilitation practices that shape cocoa agroforestry systems in Central Cameroon: key management strategies for long-term exploitation

In Africa’s main cocoa producing countries, rehabilitation of old cocoa orchards is increasingly debated but rarely adopted. In Central Cameroon, rehabilitation practices are regularly set up in old cocoa-based agroforestry systems (cAFS). To better understand the impact of such practices we built a chronosequence of 40 cAFS. We carried out specific surveys with farmers on each plot in order to check for rehabilitation effects on cocoa stands and associated woody species (AWS). We found that cocoa trees represented on average 88.2% of woody individuals and increased with age (from 84.7 to 91.5%). The cocoa stand basal area (BA) share significantly increased with age and reached up to 40.2% in the oldest systems. Cocoa, fruit and forest trees mean BA increased with aging. They were on average of 6.5, 5.7 and 10.7 m² ha^?1 respectively. Six different architectural types, different from the theoretical architectural evolution of cocoa trees over time, were identified. Among them, type 4 characterized by several orthotropic suckers of differing ages, was found typical of farmers’ cutting back practices. Type 4 cocoa trees density increased over time and its BA represented on average 60% of cocoa stand BA in the oldest systems. Concomitantly, farmer’s management of AWS led to continuous evolution of the systems both in terms of density and species composition. Our results show that (i) permanent densification and cutting back practices (type 4) allow the rejuvenation of cocoa stands while increasing cocoa stands BA share; (ii) the continuous management of AWS by farmers is undertaken to favour cocoa trees share over time by limiting inter-specific competition and promoting complementarity between cocoa trees and AWS. We argue that such practices explain a fair part of the long-term sustainability observed in cAFS from Central Cameroon and represent a model from which new rehabilitation schemes could be inspired.     

The role of complex agroforestry systems in the conservation of forest tree diversity and structure in southeastern Ghana

The role of different agroforestry systems in the conservation of plant diversity and forest structure has not been directly compared in many agricultural dominated landscapes. In this study, we investigated tree diversity and forest structure in a complex agroforestry landscape traditionally grown for cocoa and mixed food crops and compared these to the natural forest in southeastern Ghana. The study was carried out using 36 25 m × 25 m plots. There was significant difference [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI)] in the native forest/non-crop tree species richness between the natural forest and the agroforest farmlands but species richness was similar between the cocoa and mixed food crops agroforests. The density of native forest/non-crop trees was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the natural forest but similar between cocoa and mixed food crops agroforest. Similarly, the basal area of native forest/non-crop trees was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the natural forest but comparable between cocoa and food crops agroforest. Of the 20 most abundant native forest/non-crop trees recorded, 12 of them showed significant responses (P < 0.05) to land use change with nine of the species significantly abundant in the natural forest relative to the agroforest systems. Eighteen native forest/non-crop trees species in the agroforestry systems were commonly recorded as being used; 100% of them being used as fuel wood with 83.3 and 77.8%, respectively, used as medicines and materials. The findings of this study suggests that although complex agroforestry systems are a poor substitute for the natural forest the heterogeneous mosaic landscape in which complex agroforestry forms part can be strategically managed to maximize the benefits of both sustainable agriculture production and conservation of plant diversity by acting as buffer between protected areas and intensively managed areas.     

Nutrient cycling in two traditional Central American agroforestry systems

A preliminary nutrient cycling study quantified total and temporal nutrient inputs via litterfall and pruning residues in two agroforestry systems: (1) Coffea arabica (perennial crop)-Erythrina poeppigiana (leguminous shade tree); and (2) C. arabica-E. poeppigiana-Cordia alliodora with emphasis on the effect of the timber tree C. alliodora. The total annual input of litterfall plus pruning residues was similar in both associations. Total annual input from E. poeppigiana was less than half in the association with C. alliodora than without, but the litterfall from this latter species compensated for the loss. Large differences in the total annual nutrient input of K, Ca and Mg was found between associations, but not for N or P. The amount of nutrients recycled by the associated trees reached the recommended level of fertilizer required for coffee production. The inclusion of C. alliodora within the C. arabica-E. poeppigiana association resulted in a more evenly distributed annual nutrient input.     

体制转换下国有林场改革探索

在计划经济体制向市场经济体制转换过程中,国有林场必须根据可持续发展理论和市场经济理论进行深化改革。通过分析浙江省国有林场改革的实例,提出了国有林场的内部改革必须有外部的配套改革,并总结了国有林场改革的经验。     

Spatio-temporal variations of soil properties under cocoa interplanted with kola in a part of the Nigerian cocoa belt

Spatio-temporal variations in soil properties under cocoa interplanted with kola in 15- and 40- ear-old plots were considered in a part of the Nigerian Cocoa Belt. The study shows that no significant variations occur in soil properties when both cocoa and kola are 15 years old. However, significant variations in many soil properties are recorded when cocoa and kola are 40 years old. At that time, soil conditions from sample points directly under kola and between kola and cocoa were similar while soil from the sample point directly under cocoa differed significantly, in most respects, from the other two points. Soil properties appear to improve under kola over time while the converse is the case under cocoa. It is adduced that these differences result from apparent differences in growth habit and nutrient extraction of kola and cocoa over time.     

The effect of land use systems on tree diversity: farmer preference and species composition of cocoa-based agroecosystems in Ghana

Traditionally, most cocoa farms are established by removing the forest understorey and thinning the forest canopy so that cocoa seedlings can grow into productive trees by utilising the forest rent of the newly cleared area and the shade provided by the remaining trees. With the introduction of new hybrid cocoa varieties, there is a gradual shift towards the elimination of shade trees in the cocoa landscape. Farmers have found it necessary to eliminate forest tree species to effect high performance of these new varieties and as a result large areas of forested land are being lost, thereby posing a threat to biodiversity A study was carried out in Atwima, a major cocoa farming district in the Ashanti region of Ghana, to assess the impact of cocoa cultivation on tree diversity. The study also investigated farmers’ preferences for tree species retained on cocoa farms as well as their traditional knowledge on tree species and their effect on cocoa cultivation. The assessment consisted of identification and enumeration of all tree species with diameter at breast height greater than or equal to 10 cm, and was carried out on one-hectare plots of: (a) Active Cocoa Farms (ACF), stratified into (i) Mature Cocoa Forest (MCF) and (ii) Young Replanted Cocoa (YRC); (b) Fallow land (FL), and (c) Natural Forest (NF). A total of four one-hectare plots replicated five times (or 20 ha) were enumerated. Tree diversity was more strongly influenced by landuse type than age of cocoa farm. Fallow lands contained a higher tree diversity followed by natural forest, with the active cocoa farms, both mature and young, containing the lowest variety of species. However, stem count was highest in the natural forest followed by FL and ACF. Generally, stem counts of important tree species, as well as those classified as either endangered or vulnerable, were extremely low in the landscape (0–2 per hectare), indicating a critical potential for conservation and rejuvenation. Farmers’ preference for trees on cocoa farms was based on their usefulness. Three categories of trees emerged from their classification of trees on cocoa farms: (i) naturally occurring trees that are very useful; (ii) naturally occurring species of minor economic use; and (iii) naturally occurring tree species that are aggressive or incompatible with cocoa. Multistrata cocoa farms are a potential niche for conservation, but given the current trends in cocoa replanting, future conservation strategies will have to focus on identified targeted species which are of conservation concern, as well as those that are of value to farmers.     

Impacts of forest management on liana diversity and community structure in a tropical forest in Ghana: implications for conservation

We studied the impacts of liana cutting as a forest management tool on liana diversity(species richness,Shannon diversity index) and community structure(diameter distribution, basal area, species dominance) in the Asenanyo Forest Reserve, Ghana. Two types of silviculturally treated forests were studied: Logging treated(LT)and Tropical Shelterwood System(TSS) treated forests. An untreated primary forest was included as a control, resulting in three forest management systems. Lianas with diameter C2 cm were identified in ten 40 9 40 m2 plots within each management system. Liana cutting significantly reduced liana species richness, Shannon diversity index, and basal area in the LT forest after two decades.However, liana species richness and basal area werecomparable in the TSS treated and untreated forests, indicating significant recovery in the former after over six decades. S?rensen similarity index of liana species composition between the untreated forest and each of the treated forests was moderate. Our findings suggest that liana cutting most likely influenced the dominance of some liana species. In view of the adverse impact of blanket liana cutting on liana diversity, selective liana cutting is recommended as a means of controlling liana numbers while maintaining liana diversity.     

Analysing the Development of Small-Scale Forestry in Central and Eastern Europe

The current state and future prospects and challenges of small-scale forestry in Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine are examined, and Q-methodology for stakeholder evaluation of forest sustainability and pro-market reforms is applied to an example from Ukraine. Small-scale forestry already provides multiple benefits to the countries in transition. However, these countries differ according to the maturity of the reforms, and the continuing process of transition is being delayed in some of them due to institutional weaknesses, e.g. the authority of government with insufficient involvement of rural communities in decision-making. The necessity of linking international and national sustainable forestry policy to management practices at a local level is especially evident in the countries where bottom-up small-scale adaptive forestry is only starting to catch up with the top-down sustainable forest management principles. The paper highlights the necessity of reconciliation of scientific and conventional knowledge for delivering sustainability objectives to small-scale forestry at a local level. It demonstrates that the social and economic pillars of sustainable forestry reform are of a particular importance for successful performance of small-scale forestry in the countries in transition, as is active involvement of stakeholders and local communities in decision-making and policy implementation.     

Causes of illegal logging in Central and Eastern Europe

A study has been undertaken to investigate the extent to which poverty is a determinant (final cause) of illegal logging, and to identify valid short-term policy variables for the control of illegal logging in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The study identifies the main features of illegal logging and forest-related and rural-related conditions in the CEE region, and uses principal components analysis and cluster analysis to obtain a typology of the CEE region according to the above conditions. Regional differences within Lithuania and Romania are specifically examined. The analysis reveals that the occurrence of illegal logging is explained by poverty, but also by the reform on land ownership and by weak law enforcement. Implications of these results for policies to cope with the illegal logging phenomenon are discussed.     

Temporal changes in VAM fungi in the cocoa agroforestry systems of central Cameroon

In Cameroon, cocoa trees are mostly grown in forests and without fertilization. Our aim was to learn more about the temporal dynamics of soils in cocoa agroforests by comparing young (1–4 years old) and old (over 25 years old) cocoa agroforests. Short fallow and secondary forest were used as treeless and forest references. The numbers and diversities of soil vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi on 60 cocoa producing farms in the Central province of Cameroon were assessed based on the classical morphotyping of spore morphology. We also observed the soil organic matter, nitrogen and major soil nutrients. VAM spore density was significantly lower in the young cocoa agroforests (16 spores g⁻¹ dry soil) than in the old cocoa agroforests (36 spores g⁻¹ dry soil). Levels in the nearby secondary forest (46 spores g⁻¹ dry soil) were not significantly different from old cocoa. The spore density was significantly highest in the short fallow (98 spores g⁻¹ dry soil). The Shannon–Weaver index also showed significantly lower biodiversity in young cocoa (0.39) than in old cocoa agroforests (0.48), secondary forest (0.49) and short fallow (0.47). These observations were supported by significant differences in the C:N ratio, Ca, Mg, and cation exchange capacity between young and old cocoa agroforests. We concluded that unfertilized cocoa agroforests could be sustainable, despite a decrease in some soil characteristics at a young stage, due to traditional land-conversion practices based on selective clearing and burning of secondary forest.     

Evaluating multifunctionality and adaptive capacity of mountain forest management alternatives under climate change in the Eastern Alps

European Journal of Forest Research - Future provisioning of ecosystem services (ES) from mountain forests is uncertain due to potential impacts of climate change. For a case study catchment in the...     

Evaluation of forest management systems under risk of wildfire

We evaluate the economic efficiency of even- and uneven-aged management systems under risk of wildfire. The management problems are formulated for a mixed-conifer stand and approximations of the optimal solutions are obtained using simulation optimization. The Northern Idaho variant of the Forest Vegetation Simulator and its Fire and Fuels Extension is used to predict stand growth and fire effects. Interest rate and fire risk are found to be critical determinants of the superior stand management system and timber supply. Uneven-aged management is superior with higher interest rates with or without fire risk. Alterations in the interest rate affect optimal stocking levels of uneven-aged stands, but have only minor effects on the long-run timber supply. Higher interest rates reduce rotation length and regeneration investments of even-aged stands, which lead to markedly reduced timber supply. Increasing fire risk increases the relative efficiency of even-aged management because a single age cohort is less susceptible to fire damage over the course of the rotation than multiple cohorts in uneven-aged stands. Higher fire risk reduces optimal diameter limit under uneven-aged management and decreases optimal rotation length and planting density under even-aged management.     

辽宁省国有林场兴办多种经营项目股份合作制的探讨

文章介绍了国有林场的历史作用和战略地位,阐述了其改造股份合作制的必要性、适用范围及改造方式,提出在改造过程中应注意的问题,以期为国有林场股份合作制改造提供参考。     

河北清西陵地区土壤动物群落多样性研究

2006年6～7月对清西陵不同林型土壤动物群落进行了调查,共获得了土壤动物1461个,隶属8个纲18类(目).其中,其中,山杨林优势类群为弹尾目和蜱螨目,针阔混交林优势类群为弹尾目和双翅目,油松林优势类群为弹尾目、蜱螨目、小杆目和鞘翅目.物种数与个体数变化规律表现为山杨林＞针阔混交林＞油松林,H'和E的变化规律表现为针阔混交林＞油松林＞山杨林.     

Tree establishment and management on farms in the drylands: evaluation of different systems adopted by small-scale farmers in Mutomo District,Kenya

Agroforestry systems in Sub-Saharan African drylands are complex and heterogeneous in nature even under similar biophysical conditions. This can be attributed to household needs and socioeconomic status which influence the species and utility of the adopted trees. This has an impact on the trees establishment and management system through planting or Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR). This study evaluates how trees for different utilities are managed and which socioeconomic factors influence these decisions. The study used primary data collected in Mutomo District, Kenya through a household survey based on a structured questionnaire. A paired sample t-test was done to assess the preferred mode of adopting trees for different utilities while factor analysis was used to characterize the households as either planting trees or practicing FMNR. Multiple linear regression using household regression factor scores as independent variables and socioeconomic indicators as dependent variables was done to ascertain which socioeconomic factors affect tree adoption. The results show that trees planted were mostly exotic species valued for their nutrition and commercial value, while FMNR was used for subsistence products and environmental services. Household size, livestock levels and mobility had a positive correlation with tree planting, while income, access to markets and roads had an inverse correlation. Access to natural woodland, distance to the nearest motorable road and land size had a positive correlation with tree protection. It is hoped that this knowledge will act as a reference point when designing agroforestry projects in similar areas to ensure they are more aligned to specific site and household conditions.     

The recreational value of forests under different management systems

New Forests - Forest degradation is a severe threat to the provision of ecosystem services, such as timber production, biodiversity and hydrogeological protection. Forest abandonment is one of the...     

The effects of management and plant diversity on carbon storage in coffee agroforestry systems in Costa Rica

Agroforestry systems can mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, conserve biodiversity and generate income. Whereas the provision of ecosystem services by agroforestry is well documented, the functional relationships between species composition, diversity and carbon (C)-storage remain uncertain. This study aimed to analyze the effects of management (conventional vs. organic), woody plant diversity and plant composition on aboveground and belowground C-storage in coffee agroforestry systems. It was expected that organic farms would store more C, and that an increase in plant diversity would enhance C-storage due to complementarity effects. Additionally, it was expected that steep slopes decrease C-storage as a result of topsoil erosion. Woody plants were identified on 1?ha plots within 14 coffee farms (7 conventional and 7 organic). C-stocks in trees, coffee plants and roots were estimated from allometric equations. C-stocks in litter and topsoil (0?C25?cm) were estimated by sampling. On average, farms stored 93?±?29?Mg?C?ha^?1. Soil organic carbon accounted for 69?% of total C. Total C-stocks were 43?% higher on organic farms than on conventional farms (P?<?0.05). Conventional and organic farms differed in vegetation structure, but not in species diversity. It was found that the combined effect of farm type, species richness, species composition and slope explained 83?% of the variation in total C-storage across all farms (P?<?0.001). Coffee agroforestry in general and organic farms in particular may contribute to GHG mitigation and biodiversity conservation in a synergistic manner which has implications for the effective allocation of resources for conservation and climate change mitigation strategies in the agricultural sector.