The project is assisting Doi Suthep Nature Center (DSNC) , funded by the Pong Yaeng Running Club , to restore forest to four rai (0.64 ha) in Pong Yaeng District, with the participation of a wide range of volunteers and students. The scientific objectives are i) to test suitability of candidate framework tree species for restoring upland evergreen and ii) to determine if application of biochar can boost early tree performance on this highly degraded site.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Authority aims to reforest burnt, or otherwise degraded, areas within the park and had earmarked this site for restoration since cultivation of the site had ceased 10 years previously and natural forest regeneration was not progressing well.
Pong Yaeng Nai villagers and FORRU-CMU staff prepared the site two days before planting 1,350 trees on August 13th-14th 2021. Baseline monitoring for tree growth and survival was done two weeks thereafter, and maintenance (weeding and fertilizer application) will be performed 3 times per rainy season for 2 years.
Ten pioneer species and 10 climax species were selected for this site. Six species being tested for the effects of biochar: Melia toosendan, Hovenia dulcis, Spondias axillaris, Prunus cerasoides, Alseodaphne andersonii and Alangium kurzii, distributed in 5 subplots with non-treated trees (controls) distributed in the surrounding area. Other species being tested for suitability (without biochar treatment) include Balakata baccata, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, Mallotus philippensis, Quercus semiserrata, Cryptocarya amygdalina and Cinnamomum iners.
Trail runners and volunteers enjoying the activities of trail running and tree planting during the Pong Yaeng Trail tree planting event.
