Native Tree Research Articles

Not enough trees – Scaling up koala habitat restoration using seed enhancement technologies

AbstractLarge‐scale ecological restoration is a crucial tool for improving the quality and extent of habitat for wildlife. In Australia, 25,000 hectares of land is to be restored to support habitat connectivity for the Endangered koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). However, limited funding is a barrier to achieving restoration of this scale without the integration of new technologies and approaches. Seed enhancement technologies (SETs) are commonly used in agriculture to improve plant establishment and growth while reducing seed wastage; yet SETs are rarely used in restoration. Here, we tested the efficacy of SETs with five native tree species favored by koalas. Using a greenhouse trial, we measured emergence, time to emergence, growth rates, and survival up to 7 weeks post planting. At 33 weeks post‐planting, we measured total biomass, root: shoot ratios, and the specific root length. SETs resulted in comparable emergence and survival and promoted a longer time to emergence relative to bare seeds. Importantly, seedlings grown from SETs yielded higher average growth rates (0.3 mm/week higher), total biomass (5.93 mg higher) and root: shoot ratios (0.258 higher) relative to seedlings grown without SETs. These findings underscore the applicability of SETs to native species to support large‐scale koala habitat restoration by increasing the growth rate and size of seedlings at the early life stage.

Genetic Parameters Estimated in the Early Growth of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. Progenies

The extractivism of Dimorphandra mollis Benth., which is a native tree from the Brazilian Cerrado biome, popularly known as fava d’anta, combined with the reduction in native vegetation area in the country over the years may result in a decrease in the specie’s natural populations. The objective of this study was to estimate the quantitative genetic parameters in nursery, hardening, and field phases, based on a progeny test. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks (six blocks for the nursery and hardening phases, and four blocks for the field phase with 5 plants/plot and 72 mother trees), with evaluations of the collar diameter and seedling height at 30, 90, 150, 480, and 570 days after sowing, between the production and planting phases. Among the coefficients of variance, the phenotypic and additive ones showed the highest values. Heritabilities for height ranged from moderate to high (0.15 to 0.43), indicating good genetic control of the traits, high potential for selection, and possibility of genetic gains. The genetic divergence of the progenies resulted in division into five groups, confirming the existence of genetic variability among the evaluated progenies and the potential for conservation and breeding programs.

Urban Biodiversity Index for Trees: A Climate Adaptation Measure for Cities Based on Tree Inventories

A historically large percentage of the world’s population has moved to urban areas in the past few decades, causing various negative effects for the environment, such as air, noise, water, and light pollution; land degradation; and biodiversity loss. Under the current climate crisis, cities are anticipated to play an essential part in adaptation strategies to extreme atmospheric events. This study aims at developing indicators at an urban scale that can highlight adaptation progress by investigating relevant data (especially in situ) and statistics at a pan-European level in support of the EU’s strategy for adapting to the impacts of climate change. The proposed indicator, Urban Biodiversity Indicator for Trees (UBI4T), which can be derived from city tree inventories, assesses one essential component of urban biodiversity by computing the proportion of native, alien, invasive, and toxic tree species spatially across a city. According to our findings (applying the UBI4T for Amsterdam and exploring its policy potential for Barcelona), the UBI4T can offer crucial information for decision and policy makers, as well as stakeholders of a city, with the aim of conducting dedicated and effective strategic initiatives to restore, improve, and protect nature in the urban environment, thus contributing to adaptation and resilience to extreme atmospheric events in cities.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Urban Forest Diversity and Structure in Green Areas of Santiago de Chile.

Urban trees enhance biodiversity, provide ecosystem services, and improve quality of life in cities. Despite their benefits, trees are not distributed equitably, and many cities exhibit a "luxury effect". Given the importance of public green space for providing access to urban tree benefits, we investigated the relationship between socioeconomic level and tree diversity and structure in 60 green areas in Santiago de Chile. Species richness and total tree abundance did not significantly vary among socioeconomic levels; however, a differential effect was found according to species origin. Introduced tree species exhibited similar abundance and species richness across socioeconomic levels, but native tree species were more abundant and richer in higher socioeconomic level areas compared to lower ones. Tree cover was higher in the high and medium socioeconomic level areas than in the low socioeconomic level area. A higher average DBH was found in the medium socioeconomic level area, which may be explained by older neighborhoods and a legacy of the luxury effect. Our findings reveal that socioeconomic groups are associated with differences in tree cover, width, and the number of native species in public green areas. Consequently, urban residents have different provisions of ecosystem services and opportunities to interact with natural heritage. Increasing the amount of tree cover and native species available to vulnerable groups will reduce disparities.

Effects of rubber intercropping with native trees on litterfall and litter main nutrient return in Hainan Island, China

Understanding the process of litterfall production is crucial for sustainable development of plantations. However, the underlying dynamics of litterfall and its nutrient return in plantation agroforestry systems remain unclear. In this study, we investigated litterfall, including leaves, branches, flowers, and fruits, in three patterns: Hevea monoculture system (RM), Hevea–Michelia intercropping system (RAS1), and Hevea–Mytilaria intercropping system (RAS2) in Hainan Island, China. Our findings indicate that total litterfall was significantly higher in RAS1 (27,309 kg ha−1) and RAS2 (34,477 kg ha−1) than in RM (22,364 kg ha−1) and was predominantly composed of leaf litterfall in all three patterns, followed by branches, flowers, and fruits. The seasonal dynamics litterfall production of RM, RAS1, and RAS2 showed characteristic patterns. Litterfall nutrients exhibited peak and sub-peak monthly dynamics, peaking from February to March, during the dry season. Total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) content of annual litterfall in RAS1 significantly increased by 120 kg ha−1, 30 kg ha−1, and 139 kg ha−1, respectively, compared to those in RM, with percentage increases of 67.88%, 122.79% and 96.27%, respectively. Similarly, TN, TP, and TK content of annual litterfall in RAS2 significantly increased by 185 kg ha−1, 35 kg ha−1, and 170 kg ha−1, respectively, with percentage increases of 103.70%, 159.15% and 139.46%, respectively, for the abovementioned in RM. Litterfall showed a strong correlation with monthly average temperature, monthly minimum temperature, and monthly average wind speed, contributing 80.5%, 75.5%, 69.8%, and 69.6% to the total litterfall and its components, respectively. Further analysis indicated that monthly average temperature, monthly minimum temperature, and monthly average wind speed contributed 73.9%, 43.0%, and 66.6%, respectively, to TN, TP, and TK content of the annual litterfall, highlighting the significant influence of temperature and wind speed. These findings enhance our understanding of carbon and nutrient cycling and contribute to the sustainable management of tropical plantation ecosystems.

The potential for climate change and the resulting urban heat island effect in cities to assist the northerly migration of tree species

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic climate warming increased by approximately 1.35°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900) by 2021, and if it continues to increase at the current rate, such warming is expected to increase by a further 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052. As a result, many cities around the world are increasingly promoting and encouraging tree-planting initiatives to sequester carbon and mitigate this climate change. The changing climate is expected to shift the geographical distribution of tree species worldwide, and the phrase that such species need to “adapt, move or die” is gaining increased recognition. Thus, many cities have begun planting tree species from more southerly latitudes in their urban parks, streets and other municipal landscapes, particularly as many native tree species are increasingly struggling to adapt to these changes when growing in the city. The urban heat island effect in cities means that they are already ahead of their rural surroundings in terms of climate warming, and therefore they potentially offer suitable climatic conditions for tree species from more southerly latitudes to thrive. In addition, as trees can help to cool their environment, planting them in cities can slow the rate of warming, which in turn provides a better environment for native species to survive for decades to reach reproductive maturity, thus assisting regenerative expansion. This article considers the potential of tree planting in urban areas to assist the poleward migration of tree species in temperate regions. It specifically considers how the concept of the “urban heat island” that has begun to emerge in cities will provide opportunities for the establishment, growth and expansion of tree species from more southerly latitudes, as well as influencing the proposals of the recently introduced Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).

Environmental correlates of Whinchat Saxicola rubetra breeding territory retention in a declining upland population

ABSTRACT Capsule In a 461 km2 unenclosed upland landscape in south-west England, long-term breeding Whinchat Saxicola rubetra persistence is more likely in areas characterized by a mixture of Bracken Pteridium aquilinum, ericaceous vegetation, and very low tree densities, situated in steep-sided valleys at mid-altitudes, further from agriculturally improved grassland or arable. Aims To establish the correlates of Whinchat breeding territory retention between 1979 and 2015–2022 in a declining upland population. Methods Historical Whinchat territories (identified in 1979) were revisited to assess range occupancy, producing a lost (n = 104) and retained (n = 60) sample. Territory retention probability was modelled at local (100 × 100 m) and broad (500 × 500 m) scales against remotely sensed data and field habitat data measured in 2022. Results At the local scale, territory retention probability was greater in steeper valleys, further from arable or agriculturally improved grassland, peaked at five trees per ha in a quadratic response, and where Bracken cover was greater. Bracken cover effects were enhanced when ericaceous vegetation was also present. At the broad scale, retention probability was again greater in steeper valleys, with greater Bracken cover, and at very low tree densities in a quadratic response (but the latter was not important at the bottom of steep-sided valleys). Retention also peaked at around 350–400 m elevation in a quadratic response at the broad scale. Conclusions In this population in south-west England, steep-sided valleys at 350–400 m, with a light scattering of trees, situated further from intensive enclosed farmland are more likely to retain Whinchats long term. Within these areas, a mixed Bracken and ericaceous field-layer should be encouraged, and blanket afforestation avoided, although lower densities of native trees appear to be more tolerated.

ESTIMASI POTENSI NILAI EKONOMI AGROFORESTRI BERBASIS PALUDIKULTUR UNTUK RESTORASI LAHAN GAMBUT

Paludiculture-based agroforestry promotes sustainable peatland-use management practices through rewetting activities on drained peatland, revegetating degraded peatland using high-value local tree species and at the same time providing economic benefits for local communities. Due to its potential benefits in maintaining balance between production and protection function of the landscape, paludiculture-based agroforestry in peatlands is purposed to support the restoration efforts. This paper explores the potential, ideal paludiculture-based agroforestry direction, and economic value. We present two scenarios for agroforestry in peatlands: 1) business as usual (BAU) agroforestry by combining native peatland tree species and dryland crops, and 2) paludiculture-based agroforestry by combining native peatland tree species and paludiculture crops. The results show that the economic value of BAU agroforestry ranges from IDR 40.32 million (US$2,826) to IDR 133.47 million (US$9,355) per hectare per year (ha/year) and paludiculture-based agroforestry from IDR 44.22 million (US$3,099) to IDR 106.73 (US$7,481) million ha/year. Taking the BAU model as baseline, the paludiculture model leads to higher emission reduction with a value of IDR 6.2 million (US$435) to IDR 25.21 million (US$1767) per ha/year relative to the BAU. This implies a wider scope of ecological and economic benefits offered by the paludiculture-based agroforestry model compared to the BAU.

The potential of non-native tree species to provide major ecosystem services in Austrian forests.

Forestry is facing an unprecedented challenging time. Due to climate change, major tree species, which until recently fulfilled major ecosystem services, are being lost and it is often unclear if forest conversion with other native or non-native tree species (NNT) are able to maintain or restore the endangered ecosystem services. Using data from the Austrian Forest Inventory, we analysed the current and future (2081-2100, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) productivity of forests, as well as their protective function (avalanches and rockfall). Five different species change scenarios were considered for the replacement of a tree species failing in the future. We used seven native tree species (Picea abies, Abies alba, Pinus sylvestris, Larix decidua, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur and Quercus petraea) and nine NNT (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies grandis, Thuja plicata, Pinus radiata, Pinus contorta, Robinia pseudoacacia, Quercus rubra, Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Juglans nigra). The results show that no adaptation would lead to a loss of productivity and a decrease in tree species richness. The combined use of native and NNT is more favorable than purely using native species in terms of productivity and tree species richness. The impact of the different species change scenarios can vary greatly between the different environmental zones of Austria (Alpine south, Continental and Pannonian). The Pannonian zone would benefit from the use of NNT in terms of timber production. For the protection against avalanches or rockfall in alpine regions, NNT would not be an advantage, and it is more important if broadleaved or coniferous trees are used. Depending on whether timber production, protective function or tree species richness are considered, different tree species or species change scenarios can be recommended. Especially in protective forests, other aspects are essential compared to commercial forests. Our results provide a basis for forest owners/managers in three European environmental zones to make decisions on a sustainable selection of tree species to plant in the face of climate change.

Herbal Formulation of High Phenols and Flavonoids with the Extract of Phyllanthus emblica, Punica granatum, and Illicium verum and Assessment of Hematotoxicity Assay: An In vitro Study.

A growing number of consumers are embracing the philosophy that natural products are better for their health and the environment. As such, they are seeking products they perceive to be safer, healthier, and without toxic chemical or synthetic ingredients. Natural products are gentle enough for daily use and provide a less abrasive alternative to more potent prescription formulations meant for short-term use. Herbal antimicrobial and antioxidant mouth rinses are considered effective adjuncts to toothbrushing and flossing for patients having gingivitis who have undergone implant treatment, providing a clinically significant benefit in the reduction of dental plaque, and also being antioxidant in nature. Three types of plant species were taken into consideration. Phyllanthus emblica fruit, Punica granatum flower, and Illicium verum fruit and seed were collected from the native trees of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. We conclude that P. emblica fruit, P. granatum flower, and I. verum fruit and seed exhibit large amounts of flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins. This study also shows that these samples can be used in clinical practice as it has less hematotoxixity percentage. P. granatum that is a pomegranate flower shows a high positive percentage in the presence of flavonoids and phenols. These plant extracts can be used in further studies and in clinical use as mouthwash or topical gel by adding preservatives and flavoring agents.

Effects of tree and shrub species on soil quality, sediment detachment capacity caused by rills and surface slope stability in forest lands of Northern Iran

A root system is an important factor to increase soil resistance to detachment of soil particles. However, due to the large number of species, there is a need for studying the impacts of native plant species on soil quality and soil erodibility. This investigation did flume experiments at various soil slopes (9.2%, 18.1%, 25.1%, and 32.5%) and different water flow rates (0.56, 0.67, 0.74, 0.81, and 0.94 L/(m·s)), to evaluate sediment detachment capacity caused by rills (Dc) and rill erodibility (Kr) as well as the soil quality of hillslopes with three common species including Carpinus betulus (as a natural tree species), Alnus glutinosa (as a planted tree species) and Mespilus germanica (as a shrub species) in forestland of northern Iran. The variability of Dc has been associated with soil properties and root characteristics of Carpinus betulus. Dc was significantly lower (average, −45%) for soils under Carpinus betulus compared to soils with the two other plant species (p < 0.01). This was due to the higher values of soil properties including medium weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) as well as to the more extended root system, as confirmed by the negative correlations between Dc and the studied variables. Kr also was different among the studied soils and plant species. The root system of Carpinus betulus also played a useful role for increasing soil resistance to rill erosion yielding a safety factor (1.61) in the studied forest ecosystem. Overall, the current study supports a broader use of native species (such as Carpinus betulus) in areas exposed to surface erosion and instability, as an effective eco-engineering conservation technique and an alternative technology instead of utilizing artificial and expensive management practices.

Investigation of Variation in Bacterial Community Structure in Endangered Korean Fir Tree by Habitats

The Korean fir tree (Abies koreana), an endemic species of South Korea, is experiencing a severe decline in population due to climate change. Studies on the conservation of Korean fir have been extensive, yet research regarding its correlation with rhizosphere bacterial communities remains scarce, warranting further investigation. In this study, metagenome amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA V4 region was conducted to examine the presence of specific bacterial communities in Korean fir and to investigate potential differences based on habitat types (rhizosphere of native or cultivated trees, soil of dead trees, and bulk soil) and seasonal variations (April, June, September, November). Here we show that although we could not identify specific taxa highly specifically with Korean fir, the rhizosphere bacterial community in native trees exhibited less variability in response to seasonal changes compared to that in bulk soils. Suggesting the establishment of relatively stable bacterial populations around the Korean fir natural habitat. Further research on other types of rhizosphere and/or microbes is necessary to investigate the distinct relationship of Korean fir with microbial communities.

Reassembly of ground-dwelling ant communities in reforestation plots in SW Costa Rica

Due to agriculture and logging, Costa Rica has lost many primary forests, making reforestation an important task. To judge the progress of reforestation, it is important to follow the reassembly of organismal communities within restored habitats. The COBIGA project near La Gamba, in the Golfo Dulce region of Costa Rica, aims at reforestation of lowland sites with native tree species. Ants, as ubiquitous and highly abundant terrestrial organisms, have a substantial influence on tropical ecosystems. The multiple roles include scavenging, predation, herbivory, and mutualistic interactions. We examined ant community responses to reveal the status of community regeneration and functional integrity. We compared the composition and diversity of the ant assemblages at three different age reforestation sites (2, 8, and 10 years old) with those at an old-growth forest as a reference site. By offering canned tuna fish at ground level along replicated transects, we observed 43 ant species representing six functional groups during the 2 months of sampling. Most of the observed ant species were omnivorous, but old-growth forests harbored a substantial number of other functional groups, such as generalized predators, arboreal predators, and arboreal omnivores. In contrast, the youngest reforestation site harbored a severely impoverished ant assemblage comprising mostly generalized polygynous and polydomous ant species from lower trophic levels. The within-site heterogeneity of the ant assemblages increased from the youngest to the oldest forest. In addition, our results show the importance of monitoring the progress of forest recovery to avoid the spread of invasive species into primary habitats.

Green infrastructure design for the containment of biological invasions. Insights from a peri-urban case study in Rome, Italy

Secondary shrublands and transitional woodland/shrub formations are recognised to be particularly susceptible to plant invasions, one of the main global threats to biodiversity, especially in dynamic peri-urban landscapes. Urban fringes are in fact often the place for the sprawl of artificial surfaces, fragmentation of habitats, and complex land transitions (including both agriculture intensification and abandonment), which in turn increase propagule pressure of exotic species over residual semi-natural ecosystems. Within this framework, the present study was aimed at analysing i) how landscape composition and configuration affect the richness of woody exotic species in shrubland and transitional woodland/shrub patches, and ii) how this threat can be addressed by means of green infrastructure design in a peri-urban case study (Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy). Accordingly, the occurrence of exotic plants was recorded with field surveys and then integrated with landscape analyses, both at patch level and over a 250 m buffer area around each patch. Thus, the effect of landscape features on exotic plant richness was investigated with Generalised Linear Models, and the best model identified (pseudo R-square = 0.62) for inferring invasibility of shrublands throughout the study area. Finally, a Green Infrastructure (GI) to contain biological invasion was planned, based on inferred priority sites for intervention and respective, site-tailored, actions. The latter included not only the removal of invasive woody alien plants, but also reforestation and planting of native trees for containment of dispersal and subsequent establishment. Even though specifically developed for the study site, and consistent with local government needs, the proposed approach represents a pilot planning process that might be applied to other peri-urban regions for the combined containment of biological invasions and sustainable development of peripheral complex landscapes.

High-carbon wood ash biochar enhances native tree survival and growth on sand-capped mine tailings.

Use of waste wood biomass for bioenergy produces wood ash as a by-product; this ash is typically landfilled, but can potentially play an important role in soil improvement and forest restoration. In particular, high-carbon wood ash biochar (HCWAB) could supply nutrients, improve substrate water-holding capacity and pH, and emulate the ecosystem benefits of wildfire residues. Thickened tailings sites at metal mines across Canada are subject to stringent restoration regulations that entail planting of native trees to promote rapid reforestation. While HCWAB may prove beneficial in this context, field trials have been very limited to date. We conducted a large-scale, replicated field trial on sand-capped tailings at an operational gold mine in the Canadian boreal forest to assess the impact of HCWAB (at dosages of 0, 6.4, 12.8, and 19.1 t/ha) on survival and growth of four native tree species, as well as substrate chemical properties and element uptake in tree tissues. After 2years, the survival of planted, native trees was highest at low to moderate application rates; HCWAB dosages above 13 t/ha presented reduced tree survival to levels comparable to unamended substrates. Tree growth was higher across all HCWAB doses relative to growth in samples planted on untreated substrates; tree species and initial size also had large impacts on final tree survival and aboveground growth. The survival of Betula papyrifera was significantly higher than other species, while smaller transplanted trees in general survived in greater numbers compared to larger size classes. Volunteer herbaceous vegetation significantly increased at the higher HCWAB application dosages and tree performance was negatively correlated with vegetation cover, consistent with a resource competition effect. HCWAB additions to sand-capped mine tailings did not significantly alter tree tissue concentrations or substrate availability of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cu, Al). We conclude that low to moderate dosages of HCWAB on sand-capped tailings, particularly between 6.4 and 12.8 t/ha, may offer benefits to early tree survival, growth, and substrate nutrient status without causing significant risks of phytotoxicity and recommend future field trials focus on strategies to reduce tree competition with competing vegetation.

Distinct metabolites affect the phloem fungal communities in ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) native and nonnative to the highly invasive emerald ash borer (AGRILUS PLANIPENNIS).

Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive killer of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America and Europe. Ash species co-evolved with EAB in their native range in Asia are mostly resistant, although the precise mechanism(s) remain unclear. Very little is also known about EAB or ash tree microbiomes. We performed the first joint comparison of phloem mycobiome and metabolites between a native and a nonnative ash species, infested and uninfested with EAB, in conjunction with investigation of larval mycobiome. Phloem mycobiome communities differed between the tree species, but both were unaffected by EAB infestation. Several indicator taxa in the larval gut shared a similarly high relative abundance only with the native host trees. Widely targeted metabolomics revealed 24 distinct metabolites in native trees and 53 metabolites in nonnative trees, respectively, that differed in relative content between infested and uninfested trees only in one species. Interestingly, four metabolites shared a strong relationship with the phloem mycobiomes, majority of which affected only the native trees. Collectively, our results demonstrate a complex interplay between host tree chemistry and mycobiome, and suggest the shared relationships between the mycobiomes of the native host tree and EAB may reflect their shared co-evolution.

Soil Chemical Quality in Integrated Production Systems with the Presence of Native and Exotic Tree Components in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon

Soil Chemical Quality in Integrated Production Systems with the Presence of Native and Exotic Tree Components in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon

From waste to soil: Technosols made with construction and demolition waste as a nature-based solution for land reclamation

Population growth has driven an increased demand for solid construction materials, leading to higher amounts of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). Efficient strategies to manage this waste include reduction, reuse, and recycling. Technosols—soils engineered from recycled waste—can potentially help with environmental challenges. However, there is a critical need to explore the potential of Technosols constructed with C&DW for land reclamation, through the growth of native vegetation. The objective of this study was to investigate this potential by studying two Brazilian native tree species (Guazuma ulmifolia and Piptadenia gonoacantha). Technosols were created using C&DW, with and without organic compost and a liquid biofertilizer. A soil health index (SHI) was applied to evaluate the soil quality regarding physical, chemical, and biological indicators of Technosols compared to a control soil (Ferralsol). The results showed that P. gonoacantha plants presented the same height and total biomass in all treatments, while G. ulmifolia plants exhibited greater height and total biomass when grown in Technosols. The enhanced plant development in the Technosols was primarily associated with higher cation exchangeable capacity and nutrients concentration in plant tissues. Technosols with added compost provided higher fertility and total organic carbon. Additionally, Technosols presented higher SHI (∼0.68) compared to control (∼0.38) for both studied species. Our experiment reveals that construction and demolition waste (C&DW) have significant potential to form healthy Technosols capable of supporting the growth of native Brazilian trees. This approach offers a promising alternative for addressing C&DW disposal challenges while serving as a nature-based solution for land reclamation.

Assessment of the impact of native tree species reforestation in Rwanda. A case study of Ibanda makera natural forest

The study was conducted in Kirehe District, Mpanga Sector. The major objective of this study was to assess the impact of native tree species reforestation in Rwanda. A Case Study of Ibanda Makera Natural Forest. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design as its framework to guide the process of data collection. The target population was households living closer to the forest. The study adopted a purposive sampling approach to select four villages. Twenty (20) households were randomly selected from each village making a total sample size of 80 respondents. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 20, and regression using STATA version 17. A logistic regression model was mostly adopted for this study to determine the factors influencing native tree species in the study area. The result of the regression analysis indicated that age, gender, occupation, household size, price of fuel, tree product use, and distance to the forest influenced negatively native tree species. This study revealed that the most common social-economic benefits of native tree species reforestation are community benefits, soil protection, carbon sequestration, increased research activities, habitat restoration, climate resilience, job creation, water regulation, increased tourism demand, and infrastructure development. Additionally, native tree species require less maintenance, are more tolerant of local conditions, and require fewer pesticides and fertilizers to thrive. Native tree species often require less water and can be used to create natural buffers that reduce noise and air pollution. Finally, from an economic perspective, native plants can improve property values, reduce energy costs, and create a more desirable living environment. Native tree species may also reduce the risk of invasive species, which can be costly and difficult to remove. Policymakers and planners should consider the importance of incorporating native tree species into their plans to ensure a more sustainable and resilient of native tree species for both urban and rural natural environments.

The Effects of Different Vegetation Restoration Models on Soil Quality in Karst Areas of Southwest China

Rocky desertification is a devastating process in Karst areas of Southwest China and induces serious fragmentation in ecosystems. Therefore, vegetation restoration and the scientific evaluation of soil quality are key restorative strategies in these areas. In this study, a natural closed forest and a disturbed forest with three restoration models, including an evergreen broad-leaved forest, mixed forest, and deciduous forest, were investigated in Huanjiang County. More than nineteen soil properties (including physical, chemical, and biotic properties) were analyzed across treatments, and principal component analyses (PCA) were combined with a minimum data set (MDS) applied to evaluate the soil quality. Our study sought to identify a vegetation restoration model to improve the soil quality in this area. We demonstrated that soil physical and chemical properties, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities significantly differed across all of the models. Soil water content, capillary porosity, total porosity, organic carbon, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and urease activity were high in the mixed forest, leading to better physical soil properties. Also, relatively high soil total nitrogen, total potassium, available nitrogen, available potassium, microbial biomass C and N, catalase, sucrose, and alkaline phosphatase levels were observed in the deciduous broad-leaved forest, resulting in improved soil chemical properties. Based on the minimum data set (MDS) method, six indicators, including non-capillary porosity, organic carbon, total phosphorus, pH, microbial biomass nitrogen, and urease activity, were selected to evaluate the soil quality across the models. Our data showed that, among the five models, the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest soil quality index (0.618), followed by the mixed forest (0.593). Stepwise regression analysis showed that soil organic carbon explained 79.9% of the variations in the soil quality indices, suggesting it was a major factor affecting the soil quality. Thus, vegetation restoration models mainly comprised of native tree species effectively improved the soil quality in Karst rocky desertification areas, with deciduous broad-leaved forests displaying the best effects, followed by mixed forests.