Establishment Of Forest Plantations Research Articles

Growth of Clones of Eucalyptus urophylla in Two Contrasting Soil Conditions in Plantations of Southeastern Mexico

Eucalyptus urophylla is important for the establishment of commercial forest plantations in Mexico. Genetic improvement programs are currently being implemented to increase timber productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adaptability and growth stability of 26 clonal lines of E. urophylla in Acrisol and Fluvisol soils and to identify the most suitable genotypes for each soil type. Tree survival, diameter at breast height, and total height were measured annually for six years. These variables were used to estimate individual volume, volume per hectare, and mean annual (MAIv) and current annual (CAIv) volume increment. Survival ranged from 14 to 100% in the Acrisol soil and from 0 to 89% in the Fluvisol soil. Volume per hectare ranged from 65.3 to 488.7 m3, MAIv from 11.1 to 83.1 m3 ha−1 year−1, and CAIv from 2.4 to 134.7 m3 ha−1 year−1. Individual heritability (Hi2) was moderate (0.29–0.49) while the mean heritability of the cloned lines was high (0.73–0.90), indicating that growth is subject to high genetic control. Diameter, height, and volume presented no genotype × environment interaction effects, demonstrating stability in the growth of the clonal lines in both soil types.

Institutional Change and Compliance in Forest Landscape Restoration Governance: Insights from the Western Highlands of Cameroon

ABSTRACT The debate regarding whether, in sub-Saharan Africa, exogenous 1 and endogenous institutions 2 have witnessed significant changes to facilitate contemporary Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) processes remains inconclusive. Additionally, there is insufficient knowledge of their compliance levels. To address these lacunae, we used content analysis of policy documents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and expert interviews to examine the evolution of FLR-linked exogenous and endogenous institutions and their compliance levels in rural Cameroon. Using thematic and content analyses hinged on a hybrid endogenous-cum-exogenous institutional analytical lens; we conclude that in Cameroon’s FLR context, exogenous institutions have transitioned from focusing solely on forest plantation establishment to encompass natural/artificial regeneration and agroforestry. More recent approaches have incorporated FLR financing mechanisms, capacity building, collaboration, and research. However, the significant exogenous institutional transformation does not necessarily imply higher compliance. Future studies should unravel actors’ interests and power dynamics that potentially shape compliance with institutions in FLR.

Modelling the spatiotemporal dynamics of land susceptibility to desertification in Algeria

Desertification is a significant environmental and socioeconomic issue that requires monitoring and early detection. In this context, holistic studies are more useful than localized ones in addressing this issue. In this study, we used the desertification sensitivity index (DSI) to pinpoint regions of Algeria that are at risk of desertification and to examine significant shifts in the sensitivity of land to desertification between 2000 and 2020, as well as the primary drivers of these shifts. Unlike the standard Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) approach, which uses equal weighting of parameters and quality indicators to construct the environmental sensitivity areas, the DSI applies statistically generated weights. Our results showed that approximately 106,000 km2 of the non-desert area was extremely susceptible to desertification in 2000, 83,200 km2 in 2010, and 98,200 km2 in 2020, with critical zones mainly located in the High Plains (steppe rangelands). Our analysis revealed that climate and vegetation quality indicators were the main drivers of the DSI, which showed a nonlinear trend during the study period. The analysis of changes in land sensitivity to desertification revealed that most of the changes were negative and occurred in the High Plains, as well as certain areas of the Tell Atlas Mountain ranges and the littoral fringe. However, some positive changes occurred due to the establishment of new forest plantations and croplands. The results provide a comprehensive overview of the risk of desertification in Algeria and its main drivers and can serve as a scientific basis for the development and implementation of necessary measures to interrupt and combat this destructive environmental phenomenon.

Carbon storage capacity of Castanopsis hystrix plantations at different stand–ages in South China

The establishment of forest plantations is an excellent silvicultural alternative to improve atmospheric carbon (C) sequestration for climate change mitigation. In recent years, the importance of forest growth and C dynamics at different stand ages have drawn huge attention for investigation. To evaluate the impacts of different stand ages on the C storage capacity of Castanopsis hystrix plantations ecosystems, we measured biomass and C content in trees, understory, litter, and soil components from field measurements at different stand ages, i.e., 6–, 10–, 15–, 25–, and 34–year–old stands. Results showed that the C stocks in trees, understory vegetation, litter, soil and the whole ecosystem increased steadily with stand age. C. hystrix C storage capacity in the 6–, 10–, 15–, 25–, and 34–year–old stands were 29.17, 56.18, 85.60, 132.19 and 157.79 Mg ha−1, respectively, while the total ecosystem C storage capacity was 68.11, 106.11, 136.13, 187.34 and 226.14 Mg ha−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the C sequestration rate in the 6–10, 10–15, 15–25 and 25–35–year–old stands were 675.28, 588.35, 465.97 and 284.39 g m2 year−1, respectively. Similarly, total biomass of trees, understory, and litter increased with stand age. Our study indicated that C. hystrix plantations are still developing in the area, since live biomass and soil C continue to accumulate despite reduced C sequestration rates. The information provided here highlight the C stock and C sequestration rates of C. hystrix at different stand ages, providing baseline information on the C dynamics of young and older stand of C. hystrix in this region; Hence, such knowledge could be useful for designing more realistic policies to mitigate climate change, such as programs to maintain continuous forest growth.

Effects of radial growth rate on juvenile wood properties of Pinus sylvestris planted in Mongolia

The establishment of forest plantations in boreal zones in Mongolia is important for wood production as well as carbon dioxide fixation. The present study aims to elucidate the juvenile wood properties (basic density, modulus of elasticity [MOE], modulus of rupture [MOR], and compressive strength parallel to grain) of plantation-grown Pinus sylvestris to promote the establishment of plantations. In addition, the effect of the radial growth rate on wood properties was also evaluated using a linear mixed-effects model. In the juvenile wood phase, wood properties were increased from the pith to bark side based on the results of model selections. Up to the 20th annual ring from the pith, the estimated mean values of basic density, MOE, MOR, and compressive strength were 0.40 g/cm3, 5.35 GPa, 65.1 MPa, and 28.4 MPa, respectively. Variance component ratios of growth categories were low in wood properties, with the exception of basic density, suggesting that the radial growth rate did not affect wood properties in the juvenile wood phase in this species growing in Mongolia. Based on the results obtained in the present study, we have concluded that although basic density in the faster growth category yielded relatively lower values, appropriate radial growth promotion during the initial stage of growth in P. sylvestris trees planted in Mongolia exerted no negative impact on juvenile wood properties. Keywords: annual ring width, basic density, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture

Reduced growth of Pinus radiata in the presence of the Australian native Allocasuarina nana via direct allelopathy and inhibition of the pine-supporting mycorrhizal community

The establishment and productivity of new forest plantations can be significantly impacted by the presence of native vegetation. In a study site in New South Wales, Australia, the growth of a Pinus radiata plantation has been virtually halted in areas dominated by the native shrub Allocasuarina nana, effects that persist for decades even after its physical removal. To determine the mechanism by which A. nana impedes P. radiata growth, we compared the fungal soil community and metabolomic profile of soils in patches rich in A. nana with adjacent healthy P. radiata patches and the transition zone between them. This data was complemented by a pot experiment to assess P. radiata growth in soils from the different vegetation areas with and without a viable soil community or the addition of A. nana roots or exudates. Together, the data demonstrates that these A. nana soils are likely inhibitory to P. radiata growth through a dual mechanism: impacting the growth of the pine directly through root associated metabolites and indirectly through the inhibition of the fungal community supporting P. radiata health, including ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Light thinning can improve soil water availability and water holding capacity of plantations in alpine mountains.

The establishment of large-scale forest plantations in the arid and semi-arid area of the Qilian Mountains in China has effectively protected water and soil resources and enhanced carbon sequestration capacity of forest ecosystems. However, the effects of different management practices in these plantations on soil water holding capacity (SWHC) and soil water availability (SWA) are uncertain in this fragile ecosystem. Here, we investigated the effects of no thinning (NT), light thinning (LT, 20% thinning intensity), and heavy thinning (HT, 40% thinning intensity) on SWHC and SWA in different soil depths of a forest plantation, and compared them to those in a natural Picea crassifolia forest (NF). Our results revealed that at low soil water suction stage, SWHC in the plantations (LT, HT, and NT) was greater in the topsoil layer (0-40 cm) than that in the NF site, while SWHC in the subsoil layer (40-80 cm) in NF was significantly greater than that in the thinning stands. At medium and high-water suction stage, SWHC in LT and NF stands was greater than that in HT and NT. Soil water characteristic curves fitted by VG model showed that the relative change in soil water content in LT topsoil layer was the smallest and SWHC was greatest. Changes in soil physicochemical properties included higher bulk density and lower total porosity, which reduced the number of macropores in the soil and affected SWHC. The bulk density, total porosity, silt content, and field capacity were the main factors jointly affecting SWA. High planting density was the main reason for the low SWA and SWHC in NT, but this can be alleviated by stand thinning. Overall, 20% thinning intensity (light intensity thinning) may be an effective forest management practice to optimize SWHC and SWA in P. crassifolia plantations to alleviate soil water deficits.

Germination and growth of the Sonoran Desert native trees under different agricultural conditions

Objective: To evaluate the germination, survival, and growth of Sonoran Desert native trees, in a fertile agricultural soil, with irrigation and protection against herbivory. Design/Methodology/Approach: For six months, the germination, survival, and growth of five tree species (Parkinsonia microphylla, Olneya tesota, Prosopis velutina, Guaiacum coulteri, and Parkinsonia florida) were evaluated in agricultural soil, with and without drip irrigation, avoiding herbivory. Results: The irrigated species O. tesota and P. velutina had the highest germination percentage (χ2 = 398.941, p < 0.0001). Plant survival was above 62 % (χ2 = 21.196, p < 0.0035), except for G. coulteri and P. florida without irrigation, which did not survive. At six months, P. florida recorded the greatest height (p < 0.0001), while all the species without irrigation and G. coulteri with irrigation recorded the lowest heights. Likewise, P. velutina, P. florida, and O. tesota (p < 0.0001) registered the greatest canopy cover at six months, while non-irrigated plants of all species and irrigated G. coulteri had the least cover. Limitations/Implications: Further agronomic studies are necessary to enable the successful establishment of commercial forest plantations, increasing knowledge about environmental problems. Findings/Conclusions: The five species of native plants studied can be established by direct sowing, in agricultural soil and with drip irrigation.

Fuzzy logic applied in the prospecting of suitable areas for the establishment of commercial forest plantations

Finding suitable areas for the establishment of commercial forest plantations is a crucial step towards the technical and financial viability of forestry enterprises. Thus, this study aimed to propose an alternative methodology to define areas with greater potential for the establishment of commercial forest plantations through the application of fuzzy logic. Edaphoclimatic zoning of the main forest genetic materials used in the state, land use classes, road networks, terrain slopes, and environmental regulation of rural properties was included in the modeling. In addition, a network analysis was applied to delimit the optimal transport radius. The results referring to the optimal areas for forest planting, according to the model, obtained an average of 80.39% assertiveness in the validation test in relation to areas already consolidated with forest plantations in the study area, demonstrating the potential of fuzzy logic to find areas favorable for future plantations, with low cost involved in prospecting areas. Therefore, it is concluded that the proposed methodology has high accuracy and low processing cost and can be used to improve planning. Its application can be expanded to other Brazilian regions as well as other countries.

Forest plantation subsidies: Impact evaluation of the Chilean case

Over the past half century there has been a rapid expansion of the forestry sector in Chile. One hypothesis is that this growth was stimulated in major part by government-supported financial incentives to forestry plantations dating from the mid-1970s. Evaluating the effects of subsidies on plantations is of current policy interest due to the potential importance of forests as carbon sinks. This study evaluates the impact of subsidies on the establishment of forest plantations (under the specific law DL701) for the period between the years 1998 and 2013 using matching techniques in combination with Difference-in-Differences. Results show that government subsidies have had a statistically and economically significant positive impact on plantations, increasing the forested area of subsidy program participants by approximately 13% compared with the counterfactual scenario without such subsidies.

El sector forestal de México de cara al siglo XXI

The Mexican forestry sector is result of adverse effects which have impacted the forestry ecosystems along decades. The presentnatural resource condition present reflects significant problems in the three components of sustainability, economic, social andenvironmental. From the Economic perspective, the volume of wood harvest has practically remained static along the two lastdecades. As a result, the international trade deficit of wood products has been increasing significantly. The contribution of theforestry sector to the gross national product (PIB) remains below 1 %. From the social perspective, poverty and margination in ruralarea continues with no expectation of possible solution in the near future. The nation confronts an uncertain future, relative to theadverse impact of climate change, increasing degradation and contamination of terrestrial y marine ecosystems, biodiversity lossand forest communities poverty. From de the Economic Outlook, Mexico faces a growing demand of Forest derived goods andservices. The exposed problem poses the urgent need of a thorough planning for the conservation, use and sustainable managementof forest resources under a long run perspective. For the future supply of goods and services provided by the natural resource, amarket prospective is needed, starting from the estimated future Forest ecosystem supply and demand for the three Sustainableconditions. Relevant aspects to consider for future planning are: Sustainable Forest management from watersheds; promotion tocommunity development; commercial Forest plantations as supplement of natural Forests; support to the productive and valuechain, establishment of dendroenergy Forest plantations, Effective territorial use planning and adequate and effective governance.

Perceptions by Smallholder Farmers of Forest Plantations in Malaysia

Plantation forests are perceived to be the supplementary source of wood material for the large wood products industry in Malaysia, amidst the steadily reducing supply from her natural forests. Despite the government’s initiated plantation forests scheme, the participation of smallholder farmers has been limited. Smallholder farmers constitute the largest proportion of private farmers involved in all sectors of agricultural and plantation tree crop cultivation, including commodities such as rubber and palm oil. Therefore, this study examines the lack of interest among smallholder farmers to participate in establishing forest plantations, although they have a strong presence in the palm oil and rubber sectors. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted among 12,895 smallholder farmers currently involved in palm oil, rubber and other tree-crop cultivation. The study found that this group has little knowledge and awareness of the forest plantation scheme available, and there is a prevailing perception that the establishment of forest plantations is not environment-friendly and leads to biodiversity loss. The poor economic return, small land holding, and poorly structured market and supply chain are perceived as the significant constraints faced that limit the interest among the target groups to participate in this sector. Any effort to reverse this trend and garner higher interest from the target group will necessarily require a new policy framework that boosts the economic outlook of forest plantations among smallholder farmers.

High-quality timber species production under multi-storey forest management approach in Malaysia

The multi-storey forest management project (MFMP) intended to identify the best silvicultural practices for tropical forest tree species as well as producing high-quality timber and seeds in a multi-storey forest. Plots were established to examine the transition of existing forest plantations and secondary forest to multi-storey forest type. The study aims to evaluate the current performance of the growth rate and productivity of selected local species through a multi-storey forest management approach. Based on the growth performance and productivity obtained, it was found that the method of planting under shading is a practical approach compared to the open planting method. Acacia mangium is planted 3-4 years earlier which acts as shade trees. Five study designs implemented using crop strip at a distance of 3.0 x 3.7m alternating between three different local species and shade trees with a ratio of A (1: 1), B (2: 2), C (4: 4), D (8: 8) and E (16:16). From this study, we found that Malaysia’s local timber species can grow under the shade at the beginning of establishment and it can grow well on narrow crop lines such as crop design A and B. On the other hand, these local species need sufficient levels of sunlight as well as other environmental requirements such as humidity, soil and weather changes over time as they grow. For that reason, these three local species namely Shorea leprosula, Shorea parvifolia and Neobalanocarpus heimii showed good performance in crop design C, D and E. This multi-storey forest management concept can be practised for the establishment of forest plantations and silvicultural treatment in degraded areas with high-quality local timber species.

Uncertainties and trends in the forest policy framework in Sierra Leone: an overview of forest sustainability challenges in the post-independence era

Sierr a Leone is part of the Upper Guinean Forests with a climate that enhances great floral biodiversity. The exploitation of forest resources in Sierra Leone has seen a steady increase over the years while the establishment of forest plantations has witnessed a drastic decline. The relationship between forest exploitation and plantation forest decline is broadly assumed to be influenced by population growth, weak forest policies, legislatures, forest management and monitoring policies over the past century. The paper examines forests status and forest resources policy evolution since the pre-colonial era but pays particular attention to policies developed from 1988, in the post-colonial era, and the challenges facing their implementation. The paper highlights major challenges facing the healthy and sustainable growth of forest resources in Sierra Leone. The challenges range from the attachment of the Forestry Division to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS), the overlap in ministerial mandates about forest protection, corrupt government officials, poverty, illegal logging, inadequate funding and staff, natural disaster and outdated forestry instruments. Natural factors such as climate change, drought, and landslides are considered among the issues affecting the sustainable expansion of forest resources in Sierra Leone. A flowchart of forest sustainability challenges in Sierra Leone was designed, and classified forest challenges into natural and man-made causes. The inability of the Forestry Division to become an independent body and the continued reliance of the Division on the 1988 Forestry Act to make informed decisions in the 21st century is serving as a major barrier in sustaining forests resources in Sierra Leone. Improving forest management in the country requires the collective efforts of both national and international forests protections entities and organizations. Sound forests conservation policies and adequate funding and staffing can strengthen the Forestry Division in enforcing its constitutional mandates. Adopting the best practices models from countries such as China, India and the USA will help towards the goal of managing forest resources sustainably for current and future generations.

Land use and management effects on soil carbon in U.S. Lake States, with emphasis on forestry, fire, and reforestation.

There is growing need to quantify and communicate how land use and management activities influence soil organic carbon (SOC) at scales relevant to, and in the tangible control of landowners and forest managers. The continued proliferation of publications and growth of data sets, data synthesis and meta-analysis approaches allows the application of powerful tools to such questions at ever finer scales. In this analysis, we combined a literature review and effect-size meta-analysis with two large, independent, observational databases to assess how land use and management impact SOC stocks, primarily with regards to forest land uses. We performed this work for the (Great Lakes) U.S. Lake States, which comprise 6% of the land area, but 7% of the forest and 9% of the forest SOC in the United States, as the second in a series of ecoregional SOC assessments. Most importantly, our analysis indicates that natural factors, such as soil texture and parent material, exert more control over SOC stocks than land use or management. With that for context, our analysis also indicates which natural factors most influence management impacts on SOC storage. We report an overall trend of significantly diminished topsoil SOC stocks with harvesting, consistent across all three data sets, while also demonstrating how certain sites and soils diverge from this pattern, including some that show opposite trends. Impacts of fire grossly mirror those of harvesting, with declines near the top of the profile, but potential gains at depth and no net change when considering the whole profile. Land use changes showing significant SOC impacts are limited to reforestation on barren mining substrates (large and variable gains) and conversion of native forest to cultivation (losses). We describe patterns within the observational data that reveal the physical basis for preferential land use, e.g., cultivation of soils with the most favorable physical properties, and forest plantation establishment on the most marginal soils, and use these patterns to identify management opportunities and considerations. We also qualify our results with ratings of confidence, based on their degree of support across approaches, and offer concise, defensible tactics for adapting management operations to site-specific criteria and SOC vulnerability.

Pollen management and controlled pollination in Eucalyptus urophylla

The genus Eucalyptus has shown great potential for the establishment of commercial forest plantations, it is one of the most widely planted worldwide, it is planted in different regions of the planet, which indicates its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions. Eucalyptus urophylla is a species of this genus that adapts to tropical and subtropical regions, in suitable sites it can achieve high growth rates. It is one of the species with the most research in breeding programs in the world, mainly due to its capacity to hybridize naturally, since it generates populations with high genetic diversity, coupled with its ability to reproduce asexually. In Mexico, the breeding programs for Eucalyptus urophylla are in the initial phase, although plantations are already managed under clonal silviculture, controlled crossing are just beginning, so pollen management and crossing techniques are the most important activities in these programs. Since there is currently no information about the management of pollen for Eucalyptus urophylla in Mexico, the aim of this paper is to show a methodology based on the information documented in other parts of the world and the recent experience acquired in the collection and management of pollen, as well as the controlled pollination techniques recently employed in the breeding programs of Eucalyptus urophylla in southeastern Mexico.

Early silvicultural performance of eucalypt species grown in environmental conditions of the tropical dry forest of Colombia

The establishment of new forest plantations requires making important decisions starting with the selection of the species to be planted, as well as the choice of an adequate planting spacing to guarantee the maximization of wood production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of nine eucalypt species planted with three different spacings under the environmental conditions of the tropical dry forest of the inter-Andean valleys of Colombia. A split-plot arrangement with two replicates was used as the experimental design. The planting spacing factor (three planting spacings) was assigned to the main plots and the species factor (nine eucalypt species) was assigned to the subplots. Survival and growth were evaluated at twenty-four months of age. The study identified the Brazilian provenances of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh, Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake, Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill, and Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. and the Colombian provenance of Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. as promising for commercial reforestation programs in areas with a water deficit in the tropical dry forest. Planting spacings of 3×2 m (1666 stems·ha-1) and 3×2.5 m (1333 stems·ha-1) maximized the production of basal area and the volume for the species evaluated. Finally, no interaction was detected between species and planting spacing factors, therefore, the species identified had a better performance regardless of the planting spacing used.

Addressing power imbalances in biosequestration governance

AbstractClimate change is a global challenge that requires strong governance on a global scale. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has suggested that large‐scale biosequestration in the form of forest restoration or tree plantation establishment is a potential form of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) that could contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. Yet it has also cautioned that this approach has social and environmental trade‐offs that need to be addressed through enhanced land governance. Land governance, per definition, has a strong local dimension as most lands are inhabited by local communities. Glocal and other multi‐scale governance approaches have been proposed to address potential conflicts between global policies and the rights, needs and priorities of local communities. Yet these approaches often overlook the power imbalances between the actors that design global climate policies and the local, often politically and economically marginalized, indigenous and other forest‐dependent communities that are directly impacted by these policies. The paper will explore to what extent theoretical concepts like rights‐based approaches have been able to address these conflicts and power imbalances, and whether more profound changes in governance systems are required to ensure equitable implementation of CDR.

Incidence of Pests and Diseases in Tree Nurseries and Plantations in Kimondi Forest, Nandi County, Kenya

Increasing demand for wood is putting pressure on forest resources that are equally under threat from insect pests and diseases. Reported average annual forest loss stands at 0.2% globally, 0.8% in Africa, and 1.6% in Kenya. To meet the increasing demand for forest products in Kenya, the government and private sector have established plantations of non-native tree species dominated by Eucalyptus species, Cupressus lusitanica, and Pinus patula. To ensure successful forest plantation establishment and management schemes, there is a need for sufficient knowledge and understanding of tree growth conditions and threats including pests and diseases. This study aimed at determining the incidence of plantation and tree nurseries in Kimondi Forest, Kenya. Tree plantations were mapped into 2.5 Ha rectangular portion transects parallel to the forest roads. In randomly selected portions, observations were carried out for disease and pest signs and symptoms on various tree parts (leaves, stem, roots, fruits, and twigs). In the tree nurseries, 3 m × 1 m rectangular quadrants were placed on seedling beds and similar observations were made. Collected data indicated a high incidence of nursery seedling pests (5.3 % leaves and 5.1% stems) on Eucalyptus species and least on P. patula (2.4% leaves and 3% stems). Higher incidence of plantation pests (35.0% leaves of Eucalyptus sps.) and least on P. patula stems (1.2%) were recorded. On the other hand, twelve (12.0%) of C. lusitanica and (1.8%) Eucalyptus species plantation twigs were infested by pests. A high incidence of nursery seedling disease (9.8%) was observed on C. lusitanica leaves and least on P. patula stems (3.6%). Higher incidence of plantation diseases (32 %) on leaves of Eucalyptus sps. and least on C. lusitanica stem (1.4%) was recorded. In both tree nurseries and plantations, roots and fruits remained free from pests and disease. Major tree pests and diseases identified in Kimondi forests include (Human, wildlife, livestock, Cinara cupressi, Gonipterus scutellatus, Pinus pini, and Leptocybe invasa) and (damping-off, Fusarium wilt, Botryosphaeria canker, cypress canker, and Mycosphaerella spp.) respectively. These results suggest a need for regular monitoring and intervention measures to control pest and disease infestation in the Kimondi forest.

Farmers’ Forest Values and Preferences for Strategies for Managing Smallholder Forest Plantations Established on State Reserve Lands, Ghana

Forest fringe communities have considerable knowledge of the value of forests. Quantitative forms of such knowledge can provide useful insights to complement scientific knowledge in forest resource management. Nonetheless, little attention has been given to the relevance of quantitative forms of such knowledge. A questionnaire survey of a sample of 92 farmers from six communities in Ghana engaged in smallholder forest plantation establishment was used to gather data on forest values and management strategies. Principal component analysis was employed in the data analysis. The results showed that ‘recreation’ (component 1) is dominated by direct use values and ‘habitat for wildlife’ (component 2), is dominated by indirect use values. In addition to filling the gap created by declining timber resources from natural forests, this study provides useful information on how smallholder plantations can be profitably managed for market and non-market values.