Restoring Deciduous Forest by Adapting the Framework Species Method

Lowland deciduous forest in northern Thailand can be restored despite poor soil quality and frequent firesThis project established field trials, to determine the success of forest restoration of lowland deciduous forest, using the framework species method. The project supported two tree nurseries (located in Chiang Mai and Phrae Provinces), which not only served as research labs, but also produced thousands of trees to  local communities for planting in lowland forest areas. Germination trials determined the most effective techniques to propagate potential framework tree species for deciduous forests. The trees were planted on 8 rai: 4 rai at the Phrae Campus of Mae Jo University and 4 rai at Huay Tung Tao. These plots tested the field performance of 15 tree species and 4 fertilizer/compost application treatments to ameliorate poor soil conditions.

Monitoring results at the end of the first rainy season indicated that good survival and growth rates were achieved. Initial indications were that more intensive treatments (compost in the planting holes and high rates of fertilizer application) achieved the best results.

Combining results with previous experiments, enabled the identification of the top 10 most suitable species for restoration of deciduous forests: Eugenia fruticosa (DC.) Roxb., Ficus glaberrima Bl. var. glaberrima, Careya arborea Roxb., Actinodaphne henryi Gamb., Ficus fistulosa Reinw. ex Bl. var. fistulosa, Ficus racemosa L. var. racemosa, Terminalia chebula Retz. var. chebula, Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Ficus rumphii Bl. and Phyllanthus emblica L.

For detailed results please access the final project report (including tree performance data) via the download panel.

This project was sponsored by The Biodiversity Research and Training Program (BRT).