Amazonian forest restoration: an innovative system for native species selection based on phenological data and performance indices

Abstract

One hundred and sixty taxa of upland moist forest trees were studied with reference to their suitability for forest restoration on bauxite mined Iands in western Para State, Brazil. Over a 14-year period, field observations in native primary forests, nursery studies, and evaluations of over 600 ha of mixed-species reforestation areas were used to characterize fruiting phenology, dispersa! and seed viability, to determine the most cost-effective propagation methods, and to assess the post-plantation performance for each of the taxa studied. The systematic approach adopted in this study for screening large numbers of native tree species for which little or no ecological or silvicultural information was previously available is presented as a model for species selection and afforestation programme management, with broad applicability for forest rehabilitation and restoration worldwide.

Citation

Knowles, O.H.; Parrotta, John A. 1995. Amazonian forest restoration: an innovative system for native species selection based on phenological data and performance indices. Commonwealth Forestry Review 74(3): 230-243.