Tropical Native Species Reforestation Information Clearinghouse (TRIC)

Resource Details

Research needs for restoring seasonal tropical forests in Thailand: accelerated natural regeneration

Hardwick, K., Healey, J.R., Elliott, S. & Blakesley, D. 2004, "Research needs for restoring seasonal tropical forests in Thailand: accelerated natural regeneration", New Forests, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 285-302.

Contact Info

Corresponding Author: D. Blakesley, david.blakesley@hri.ac.uk

Affiliations

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
• University of Wales, Bangor
• Chiang Mai University
• Horticulture Research International, East Malling, West Malling

Link(s)

New Forests

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Description

• In this article, the authors present the information needed to engage in accelerated natural regeneration (ANR) in Thailand as well as areas in need of future research.
• They suggest that in Thailand´s seasonal tropical dry forests ANR can be relatively cheap with low labor costs, yet it needs scientific and ecological data to inform decisions.
• First, site resources (soil and microclimate) need to be evaluated to see whether regenerating species will be able to survive and grow despite limitations for light (moist areas or seasons) or water (dry areas or seasons).
• This can help the managers determine whether the use of nurse trees, fire for nutrient input, or inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi are necessary.
• Additionally, the information on the weed-tree dynamics is necessary to view whether weed control means are desired.
• Finally, the ability of seeds to germinate and be dispersed by animals and birds is needed to determine which species can regenerate naturally and which ones would need to be planted.
• The authors describe the importance of consulting local farmers and community members to gather and protect the local knowledge that can improve forest restoration methods.

Related Publications and Projects

• Blakesley, D., Elliott, S., Kuarak, C., Navakitbumrung, P., Zangkum, S. & Anusarnsunthorn, V. 2002, "Propagating framework tree species to restore seasonally dry tropical forest: Implications of seasonal seed dispersal and dormancy", Forest Ecology and Management, vol. 164, no. 1-3, pp. 31-38.
• Blakesley, E., Elliott, S., and Anusarnsunthorn, V. 1998, “Low technology tree propagation and the restoration of natural forest ecosystems” in Tree Biotechnology: Towards the Millennium, eds. M.R. Davey, P.G. Anderson, K.C. Lowe and J.B. Power, Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, pp.31-44.
• Doi Mae Salong Project
• Dugan, P. 2000. “Assisted natural regeneration: Methods, results and issues relevant to sustained participation by communities” in Forest Restoration for Wildlife Conservation: Proceedings of a Workshop with the International Tropical Timber Organization and the Forest Restoration Research Unit, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, eds. Elliott, S., Kerby, J., Blakesley, D., Hardwick, K., Woods, K. and V. Anusarnsunthorn, pp. 195-199.
• Elliott, S., Blakesley, D. & Anusarnsunthorn, V. (eds) 1998, Forests for the Future: Growing and Planting Native Trees for Restoring Forest Ecosystems.
• Elliott, S., Blakesley, D., Maxwell, J.F. et al. 2006, “Helping forests to help themselves—accelerating natural regeneration” in How to Plant a Forest: The Principles and Practice of Restoring Tropical Forests, The Forest Restoration Research Unit, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
• Elliott, S., Kuarak, C., Navakitbumrung, P., Zangkum, S., Anusarnsunthorn, V. & Blakesley, D. 2002, "Propagating framework trees to restore seasonally dry tropical forest in northern Thailand", New Forests, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 63-70.
• Elliott, S., Navakitbumrung, P., Kuarak, C., Zangkum, S., Anusarnsunthorn, V. & Blakesley, D. 2003, "Selecting framework tree species for restoring seasonally dry tropical forests in northern Thailand based on field performance", Forest Ecology and Management, vol. 184, no. 1-3, pp. 177-191.
• Pakkad, G., Torre, F., Elliott, S. & Blakesley, D. 2003, "Selecting seed trees for a forest restoration program: A case study using Spondias axillaris Roxb. (Anacardiaceae)", Forest Ecology and Management, vol. 182, no. 1-3, pp. 363-370.
• Woods, K. & Elliott, S. 2004, "Direct seeding for forest restoration on abandoned agricultural land in Northern Thailand", Journal of Tropical Forest Science, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 248-259.

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