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Monitoring drought stress is crucial for estimating productivity and assessing the health status of forest ecosystems under global climate change. Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is mechanistically coupled to photosynthesis and has advantages over greenness-based vegetation indices in detecting drought. In recent years, SIF has commonly been used in monitoring drought stress in crop ecosystems. However, the response of tower-based SIF to drought stress in forest ecosystems remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the potential of tower-based SIF to monitor drought, which was quantified using the plant water stress index (PWSI) in a Chinese cork oak plantation. The results show the negative effect of drought on SIF, and afternoon depression of SIF emission under drought stress was observed. Canopy SIF (F) exhibited a nonlinear relationship with PWSI, while the quantum yield of SIF (ΦF) exhibited a significant linear relationship with PWSI at 687 nm and 760 nm (ΦF687: R2 = 0.90; ΦF760: R2 = 0.85). Incident radiation (PAR) and canopy structure affected the response of SIF to drought stress, with PAR as the main factor causing the nonlinear relationship between F and PWSI. Afternoon depression was described as the afternoon/morning ratio (AMR). AMRF and AMRΦF exhibited a negative linear response to PWSI. AMRF was less affected than F by PAR and canopy structures, and AMRΦF was more physiologically representative than ΦF. Moreover, AMRΦF was sensitive to VPD and REW, and it might be a good indicator of drought. Red SIF was more sensitive to drought than far-red SIF, as the R2 of PWSI with AMRΦF687 (R2 = 0.89) was higher than that with AMRΦF687 (R2 = 0.84). These results highlight the potential of tower-based SIF, especially red SIF, for drought monitoring in a plantation, and consideration of the physiological diurnal variation in SIF under drought stress is crucial for improving the accuracy of drought stress monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study models potential regions for Argan tree plantations in Algeria using the MaxEnt approach, taking into account the sites of successful plantations at national level. There has been exhaustive sampling of 45 sites of plantations, with results collected over three years, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Current climate data were used from the Worldclim database (version 2.0). The results obtained indicate that the north-western regions of the country, the eastern and central coasts, are highly suitable (≥75%), but the desert and steppe regions are weakly suitable (<25%). Therefore, a suitable bioclimatic environment for planting argan trees (with at least 50% probability) depends on a minimum temperature of 2.5 to 6.5°C and annual precipitation of 160 to 1,400 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivores have recently increased in number and recolonized in human‐dominated landscapes; however, their ecological roles in these landscapes have not been well studied. In the Shiretoko World Heritage (SWH) site, brown bears have recolonized a previously abandoned mosaic landscape of natural forests and conifer plantations after land abandonment. We previously reported that the bears had recently begun to dig for cicada nymphs in association with the creation of larch plantations. As a result, this digging activity decreased soil nutrients. To deepen the understanding of the novel ecological role of brown bears within human‐modified landscapes, we examined the impacts of brown bear digging on the growth of larch trees. We found that brown bear digging decreased fine root biomass of larch, soil water, and nitrogen availability. Brown bear digging negatively affected needle nitrogen content, but not carbon isotope ratios, a water stress index of trees. Tree ring data suggest that digging negatively affected the radial growth of larches. The results imply that digging decreases tree growth due to limited soil nitrogen uptake. Our findings indicate that the ecological roles of large carnivores may differ between natural and anthropogenic landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landscape modification is a major threat to carnivores worldwide, but modified landscapes can also provide important habitat for these species, as protected areas alone are insufficient. Understanding how carnivores use modified landscapes, such as production forests, can inform management strategies to improve the value of these landscapes to carnivores. Little is known about habitat selection by marsupial carnivores in production forests, where they occupy a similar ecological niche to their more well‐studied eutherian counterparts. We used GPS tracking, Hidden Markov Models, and Manly's selection ratios to identify the habitat selected in three behavioral states by the largest marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), in a timber plantation‐dominated landscape. Behavioral states were approximated as: state 1, resting or feeding at a carcass; state 2, foraging; and state 3, travel. Devils did not show preferences for any of native forest, native grassland, and plantation in any behavioral state. Within plantations, devils preferred a plantation age of 4–7 years (selection ratio [wi] = 1.52). Devils preferred roads (state 1: wi = 2.71, state 2: wi = 2.48, state 3: wi = 2.97) and plantation edges (state 1: wi = 2.38, state 2: wi = 2.24, state 3: wi = 2.78) in all behavioral states, and moved faster on roads and edges than away from them. Together, our results indicate devils use road and edges for foraging (scavenging and hunting) and travel. No measured habitat variables influenced devil home range size. To support devils in plantation landscapes, we recommend maintaining a heterogeneous landscape of different plantation ages and native remnants and reducing the risk of vehicle collisions by minimizing forestry traffic at night. Tasmanian devils share similar adaptable traits to generalist eutherian carnivore species in their use of modified landscapes. Plantations can provide valuable habitat for this and other threatened predator species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We conducted this study in the boreal forest of Québec, Canada, to compare insect damage on white spruce (Picea glauca) trees within open-canopy, multispecies plantations, and trees naturally regenerated under mature mixed-wood canopies. Our plantation sites were established post-clearcutting and compared with naturally regenerated post-fire sites dominated by trembling aspen. Over two years, observations were made on young trees from ten sites in each environment, focusing on overall rates of herbivory, galls, spruce budworm damage, and sawfly defoliation. Despite a minor increase in spruce budworm damage in under-canopy forests from 2020 to 2021, overall, damage levels remained low, suggesting minimal impact on tree growth or mortality at this early outbreak stage. Contrary to initial assumptions, we found that insect damage was comparably low in both plantation and naturally regenerated environments, casting doubt on the idea that the enhanced sunlight and accelerated growth observed in plantations necessarily increase their susceptibility to pest attacks. In the context of global forest restoration efforts and Canada's pledge to plant 2 billion trees by 2050, the resilience of white spruce plantations to insect damage is of paramount importance. Amidst concerns over increasing pest damage due to climate change, the observed resilience of multispecies plantations underpins the effectiveness of ecosystem-based management in maintaining low insect damage levels without compromising growth. This balance highlights the potential of mixed-species plantations to mimic natural forest conditions, contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable forestry practices. This research illuminates the intricate dynamics between tree growth, environmental conditions, and pest vulnerability, offering valuable insights for future forest management and conservation strategies. In managed boreal forests, both plantations and natural regeneration are used to re-establish a cohort of conifer trees following harvest or disturbance. Young trees in open plantations generally grow more rapidly than under forest canopies, but more rapid growth could be compromised by greater insect damage. We compared insect damage on white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, Pinaceae) growing in plantations with naturally regenerated trees under mature forest canopies in boreal forests (Québec, Canada). We selected ten sites in the naturally regenerated forest and in small, multispecies plantations and sampled ten young trees of 2.5–3 m (per site) in late summer 2020 and again in early and late summer 2021. We compared overall rates of herbivory, galls (adelgids), damage by the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana, Clemens), and defoliation from sawflies. Overall, insect herbivory damage remained at similarly low levels in both habitats; an average of 9.3% of expanding shoots were damaged on forest trees and 7.7% in plantation trees. Spruce budworm damage increased from 2020 to 2021 and remained higher in under-canopy trees, but damage rates were negligible at this early stage of the outbreak (1.5% in forest vs. 0.78% of buds damaged on plantation trees). While damage due to galls was higher in plantations, the overall low level of damage likely does not pose a significant impact on the growth or mortality of young trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied tree seedling survival rates and plantation success of the Growth and Transformation Plan I—GTP I (2011–2015) in the drylands of Northern Ethiopia. The study was carried out in six randomly selected districts of Tigrai region that represent three agro-ecological zones: the highland, midland and lowland. A biophysical survey was conducted to assess the survival rates of tree seedlings and the success rate of the plantation interventions. The study employed both primary and secondary data sources. Results revealed that there were variations (P < 0.05) in the survival of planted tree seedlings among plantation sites of the same village, between the villages of the same district and among the districts. The regional mean survival rate of planted tree seedlings was 53%. The planting interventions were not encouraging due to lack of pre- and post-planting management, moisture stress, poor soil and site conditions, planting an unmanageable number of seedlings, weak law enforcement and lack of proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. In the study areas, four types of ownership were identified: private, communal, state and youth groups. Among the ownership types, private ownership had the highest rate of success, whereas community ownership had the lowest rate. For sustaining successful plantation development, watering, pre- and post-planting management of planted tree seedlings and permanent employment of guards are important. Highlights: Poor survival of planted tree seedlings and plantation success is not satisfactory. There was discrepancy on what is reported and verified in the field. Plantation success varies with tree species, agroecology and ownership types. Better tree seedling survival rate was found in the private ownership type. Lowest tree seedling survival rate was found in the communal plantation types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties remain regarding the carbon (C) loss due to scarification in afforested lichen woodlands (LW), which originate from regeneration failures of closed-crown black spruce- feathermoss stands due to compounded disturbances. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the C stock changes in the forest floor of scarified, unharvested LWs. Ten afforestation trials were established from 1999 to 2014 in LWs in the managed boreal forest of Québec. Ground surface layers were sampled in 2017 for different microsites. From 3 to 18 years after treatment, scarified floors exhibited ≈ 2 Mg ha−1 C loss, due to opposite trends in the furrow and ridge microsites. Both gradually approached the undisturbed C density level of forest floor between furrow pairs and between skidder trails microsites without reaching it after 18 years. This suggests that microsite C density continued to evolve afterward, and that losses due to scarification might be recovered, due to a higher potential gain in the furrow microsites combined with a lower expected loss in the ridge microsites. Carbon managers should use a permanent 2 Mg ha−1 C loss in the forest floor due to scarification in LWs, acknowledging that this is offset by the growth of planted trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we take plantation studies as our starting point to reread Fernando Ortiz's Cuban Counterpoint: Tobacco and Sugar. Our analysis encompasses three aspects: firstly, we examine the most relevant lines of interpretation of the Counterpoint..., particularly, those derived from the notions of transculturation and counterpoint, with the aim of providing continuity and further discussion within the vast and enriching critical tradition that accompanies the text. Secondly, we propose to read certain moments of Ortiz's book from the perspective of plantation studies and the scalability model proposed by Anna Tsing for living amidst the ruins of the Anthropocene. In particular, we are interested in observing its flaws, those small fractions of territory that host non-scalable practices, fostering transformative diversity in social relations. Finally, we speculate about the neobaroque inscription of Ortiz's essayistic work as an alternative practice of transdisciplinarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of urban tree diversity for improving resilience is increasingly understood by decision makers. Urban foresters want to prevent the overrepresentation of species on their streets and in their city, which could result in a significant loss of canopy cover in the event of a large-scale disturbance such as a drought or an exotic pest or disease. Although numerous software and tools exist to visualize tree inventories and plan tree maintenance work, only a few offer support for increasing tree diversity. After reviewing the existing tools available for urban forest managers, we present SylvCiT, a novel decision-support and open-source software available on a web platform designed to consolidate information related to the urban forest in one place and facilitate decision-making at different scales. While the first interfaces provide the user with a spatially explicit portrait of the urban forest (species richness, functional diversity, structural diversity, i.e., diameter classes) and associated ecosystem benefits (e.g., stored carbon, ornamental value), the software is designed to produce a list of functional groups and appropriate species to plant considering tree species already present. Based on an artificial intelligence algorithm, SylvCiT identifies the types of trees (species and functional groups) that are absent or underrepresented at different scales to make recommendations that increase species and functional diversity to improve resilience to global change. SylvCiT will continue to be developed to evaluate other ecosystem benefits and integrate criteria such as site characteristics into the recommendation algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional trait ecology has the potential to provide generalizable and mechanistic predictions of ecosystem function from data of species distributions and traits. The traits that are selected should both respond to environmental factors and influence ecosystem functioning. Invertebrate mouthpart traits fulfill these criteria, but are seldom collected, lack standardized measurement protocols, and have infrequently been investigated in response to environmental factors. We surveyed isopod species that consume plant detritus, and tree communities in 58 plots across primary and secondary forests in Singapore. We measured body dimensions (body size traits), pereopod and antennae lengths (locomotory traits), dimensions of mandible structures (morphological mouthpart traits), and mechanical advantages generated by mandible shape (mechanical mouthpart traits) for six isopod species found in these plots and investigated if these traits respond to changes in tree community composition, tree diversity, and forest structure. Morphological mouthpart traits responded to a tree compositional gradient reflecting forest recovery degree. Mouthpart features associated with greater consumption of litter (broader but less serrated/rugose lacinia mobilis [an important cutting and chewing structure on the mandible]) were most prevalent in abandoned plantation and young secondary forests containing disturbance-associated tree species. Feeding strategies associated with fungi grazing (narrower and more serrated/rugose lacinia mobilis) were most prevalent in late secondary forests containing later successional tree species. Since morphological mouthpart traits likely also predict consumption and excretion rates of isopods, these traits advance our understanding of environment–trait–ecosystem functioning relationships across contrasting tropical forest plots that vary in composition, disturbance history, and post-disturbance recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of quality seedlings is a crucial factor when establishing healthy forests through afforestation. The quality of seedlings is determined by various morphological characteristics, such as seedling height, diameter at the root collar, and other characteristics that influence growth performance and ease of application. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible use of plankton communities that emerge from marine mucilage (MM) outbreaks as plant nutrients. This would contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems and to the development of alternative methods for agriculture and forestry practices. This study assessed the germination characteristics of seeds and the morphological attributes of 1-year-old seedlings of Black pine (Pinus nigra), Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia), and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). The effects of marine mucilage, land moss, and seaweed treatments on the seedling characteristics of the species were also compared. Marine mucilage treatment positively influenced seedling growth in all morphological characteristics of seedlings of the same species compared with the land moss- and seaweed-treated seedlings, whereas the seedlings from the control group had the lowest growth performance. Statistically significant differences were found among the species and the treatments for the investigated characteristics. This study revealed that the application of marine mucilage, land moss, and seaweed could be used as promoters for seedling growth in the nursery practices of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality assessment is important for arable land, particularly in the vicinity of urban areas. The research was carried out to determine the quality of soil that has been farmed for different land uses. Geo-referenced 200 surface soil samples were collected from agriculture, horticulture, flower and plantation land-uses, and were analyzed for soil texture and nutrients, of which pH, OC, N, P2O5, K2O, Mn, Cu, Ca, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were found statistically significant and were chosen for principal component analysis (PCA). Based on the level of significance from PCA only five variables (pH, K2O, Cu, Ca, and DHA) were retained for minimum data set and linear scoring functions were used to provide unit-less scores for the selected data sets, which were then integrated into a soil quality index (SQI). Plantation land use had the lowest (SQI) of 0.51, whereas agriculture land use had the highest SQI (0.55) and was comparable to flower and horticultural land uses (0.53). The SQI of agriculture land was found better than the plantation land use in nearly all of the quality indicators evaluated. As a result, implementing management measures that improve soil quality, such as OC, is critical for sustainable agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the durability of emerging plantation hardwood resources is important for optimising their production and use. This study compared timber density, extractives content and decay resistance in 12–13-year-old plantation and native forest regrowth Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana) trees. Density increased from pith to bark for both plantation and native forest trees. Inner heartwood density of the plantation timber was significantly lower than that of the native forest regrowth timber. While the total extractives content of the outer heartwood was comparable in the plantation and native forest regrowth trees, the inner heartwood of the latter contained significantly greater extractives levels. Laboratory decay tests showed that all heartwood zones of plantation and native forest regrowth Gympie messmate were resistant to decay by the white rot Pycnoporus coccineus. The inner heartwood of the plantation timber was, however, susceptible to decay by the brown rot Fomitopsis ostreiformis. The results illustrate the potential variations in wood quality parameters to be considered when moving from native forest to plantation resources that are harvested at a younger age and managed for more rapid wood production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ProSAVANA was a technical cooperation program signed between the governments of Brazil, Japan, and Mozambique. Its aim was to promote agricultural development in the northern region of this African country. In this article, I give an ethnographic account of ProSAVANA's implementation and the different struggles that emerged in opposition to its undertakings. As I describe, the program promoters constantly mobilized three allegories evocative of connections and flow in their fieldwork, speeches, or documents: parallels, chains, and corridors. Although, at the territorial level, these were connected to effects of isolation and fixation of the local population and their agriculture. Based on this controversy, I suggest that ProSAVANA can be understood as those world design projects that perform what Anna Tsing called a "plantation ecology," that is, machines to produce the same, that operate to expand their scale while creating simplified, homogenized, and standardized models on diverse landscapes. Nevertheless, throughout the ProSAVANA implementation, their plantation designs were (re)composed both by technicians who aimed to promote its development model and by peasants and activists critical of the program, showing that these configurations alone cannot comprehensively circumscribe human agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Grasslands cover one-third of the world's land area and play a significant role in agriculture and ecological security. However, due to recent changes in precipitation patterns and land use, the coverage of grasslands is decreasing. The Hulunbuir steppe, one of the four major grasslands in the world, is also undergoing desertification caused by climate change and anthropogenic disturbances. To characterize the eco-functional diversity of plants in recently restored sites after the introduction of woody plants in natural grasslands, the competitor, stress tolerator, and ruderal (CSR) ecological strategies of plants were analyzed. As a result, the CSR ecological strategy in the temperate typical steppe was CSR and that in the woodland steppe was S/SR. The restored sites differed depending on the life-form of the introduced woody plants. The CSR ecological strategies observed over time in a restored site after the introduction of woody plants varied depending on the life-form of the introduced woody plants. This suggests the importance of selecting the life-form of woody plants for the success of ecological restoration in damaged grasslands. To reveal the changes in the life history characteristics of grassland plants due to vegetation restoration, plant species and communities were analyzed for their competitor, stress tolerator, and ruderal (CSR) ecological strategies after the introduction of woody plants in the damaged steppe grassland and were compared with those in reference sites in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia. As a result, it was found that the introduction of the woody plants (Corethrodeneron fruticosum, Caragana microphylla, Populus canadensis, and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) into the damaged land greatly increased the plant species diversity and CSR eco-functional diversity as the succession progressed. The plant strategies of the temperate typical steppe (TTS) and woodland steppe (WS) in this Asian steppe are CSR and S/SR, respectively, which means that the plants are adapted to disturbances or stress. As the restoration time elapsed in the damaged lands exhibiting (R/CR) (Corispermum hyssopifolium), the ecological strategies were predicted to change in two ways: (1) →R/CSR (Cynanchum thesioides, Astragalus laxmannii, etc.) → CSR in places (TSS) (Galium verum var. asiaticum, Saussurea japonica, etc.) where only shrubs were introduced, and (2) → S/SR (Allium mongolicum, Ulmus pumila, etc.) → S/SR in sites (WS) (Ulmus pumila, Thalictrum squarrosum, etc.) where trees and shrubs were planted simultaneously. The results mean that the driving force that causes succession in the restoration of temperate grasslands is determined by the life-form (trees/shrubs) of the introduced woody plants. This means that for the restoration of these grasslands to be successful, it is necessary to introduce woody tree species at an early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexico is a center of diversity for the genus Pinus, with 44% of pine species being endemic to the country. Mexican pine forests are recognized as hotspots for ectomycorrhizal fungi and bacteria due to the extensive interactions that take place between microorganisms and plants in their roots. These microorganisms play a vital role in the survival of pine species. This study aims to identify fungal and bacterial communities in a relict Mexican pine forest and evaluate the influence of soil physicochemical parameters on microbial composition. Sampling was conducted along a 145 m transect in an isolated natural relict of P. pseudostrobus var. coatepecensis, which is located within a commercial plantation of Pinus patula. A total of 18 soil samples were collected at predetermined distances along the transect, with replicated sampling points as follows: six samples at 20 cm intervals, four samples at 1 m intervals, four samples at 10 m intervals, and four samples at 25 m intervals. The results indicate that fungal composition varies even at short distances and is influenced by the C:N ratio, total carbon (C), total phosphorus (P), and total hydrogen ion concentration (H+). Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcM) exhibited a higher relative abundance compared to saprotrophic and pathogenic fungi. A total of 69 EcM ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variants) were identified, being the dominant genera Tomentella, Clavulina, Suillus, Russula, and Elaphomyces. Bacterial communities did not show significant variation in relation to the distance from the sampling points, but soil pH was identified as the main factor of bacterial composition. Dominant bacterial genera included Burkholderia, Bryobacter, Acidobacterium, and Acidothermus. Additionally, it was observed that current soil conditions influenced ß diversity. Overall, the results demonstrate that soil fungal and bacterial communities associated with P. pseudostrobus exhibit a unique composition compared to other natural forest systems in the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to rationally utilize forest resources, three comprehensive evaluation methods were used to evaluate the soil quality of different plantations in the mixed forest of Schima superba + Pinus massoniana (Ⅰ),mixed forest of Schima superba + Eucalyptusrobusta Smith + Michelia macclurel (Ⅱ) and mixed forest of Schima superba + Eucalyptusrobusta + Mytilaria laosensis+ Quercus griffithii (Ⅲ) of Guangxi state-owned Huangmian forest farm as the research objects. The results showed that the contents of soil organic matter, total N, alkaline N, total P, available P and total K, as well as the comprehensive index of soil nutrient pool, soil fertility index and soil quality comprehensive evaluation index decreased with the deepening of soil layer. The comprehensive index of soil nutrient pool in the 0-20 cm soil layer was shown as Type Ⅲ ＞Type Ⅱ＞ Type Ⅰ, and the comprehensive evaluation grade of soil fertility of the three types was grade 2.Based on principal component analysis, the soil quality of forest type Ⅱ (0.880) was the best, followed by forest type I (0.765) and type Ⅲ (0.738). Alkaline N alone explained 93.1% of the variation in soil quality index. Compared with coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, broadleaf mixed forests were conducive to improving soil nutrient content and soil comprehensive fertility quality, alkaline N was the most important limiting factor affecting soil quality, resulting in the difference in comprehensive evaluation of soil quality in different plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study Gansu Xinglongshan National Nature Reserve, the spatial distribution of different densities of Pinus tabuliformis plantations and undergrowth growing conditions were examined. Effective means to promote the growth of trees and optimize the structure of forest stands were explored to provide a theoretical basis for stand transformation and community reconstruction. With P. tabuliformis plantations as the research object, sample areas with five different densities (740, 1 900, 1 950, 6 540, 8 000 tree·hm-2)were established. Representative sample areas were selected and the wood, undergrowth biodiversity, and undergrowth biomass data were investigated. The distribution of tree diameter order in P. tabuliformis plantations is influenced by stand density. In low density stands, it manifests as a reserve type forest with stable and normal growth status. Low-density stand S1 (740 tree·hm-2) has a greater growth diameter at breast height, while high-density stand S3 (8 000 tree·hm-2)has a lower growth diameter at breast height. The Margalef (M), Shannon-Wiener (H), and Simpson (D) indicators of the herbaceous and shrub layers reached their peak at 1 900 tree·hm-2, with values of 3.55, 2.44, 0.88, and 2.16, 1.39, 0.75, respectively. The biomass of the shrubs in the forest decreased with the increase in artificial pine forest density, reaching the highest biomass in sample S1 (740 tree·hm-2)(1.60 t·hm-2). The biomass of the herbaceous layer first increased and then decreased, and reached the highest biomass in sample S2 (1 900 tree·hm-2)(0.25 t·hm-2). The P. tabuliformis plantations in Gansu Xinglongshan National Nature Reserve have had a positive impact on promoting the growth of trees and understory vegetation at a density of 1 900 tree·hm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Soil extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) and extracellular enzymatic stoichiometry (EES) play an important role in soil nutrient cycling processes. However, the response of EEAs and EES to forest management practices remains unclear, which hinders our understanding of the mechanisms regulating nutrient cycling. Methods: Soil microclimate, nutrients, microbial biomass, EEAs, and EES in Pinus massoniana plantations were investigated over 6 years after thinning (two levels: removal of 15% and 70% basal area) or understorey removal. Results: (1) Compared to the controls, the activities of β-1.4-glucosidase (BG), β-1.4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and acid phosphatase (AP) were not significantly influenced by thinning or understorey removal during the first 3 years after treatment, in the 4th year, however, understorey removal significantly reduced AP, and heavily thinning significantly increased NAG. (2) Between year 4 and year 6 after treatment, thinning significantly decreased the ratio of ln(BG) to ln(NAG + LAP) but increased the ratio of ln(NAG + LAP) to ln(AP). (3) EEAs and EES were significantly regulated by soil temperature and dissolved carbon during the first 3 years after treatment, after which microorganisms and soil total nitrogen drove the EEAs and EES. Conclusions: We found that thinning and understorey removal have similar effects on EEAs and EES. Our study suggests that nitrogen demand of soil microorganisms may change during the recovery of forests after thinning and understorey removal, which will further negatively affect EEAs and thus soil biogeochemical cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy height data from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission has powered the development of global forest height products, but these data and products have not been validated in non-forest tree plantation settings. In this study, we collected field observations of the canopy heights throughout oil palm plantations in Nigeria and evaluated the performance of existing global canopy height map (CHM) products as well as a local model trained on the GEDI and various Landsat and Sentinel-2 feature combinations. We found that existing CHMs fared poorly in the region, with mean absolute errors (MAE) of 4.2–6.2 m. However, the locally trained models performed well (MAE = 2.5 m), indicating that using the GEDI and optical satellite data can still be effective, even in a region with relatively sparse GEDI coverage. In addition to improved overall performance, the local model was especially effective at reducing errors for short (<5 m) trees, where the global products struggle to capture the canopy height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] In order to select forages suitable for planting in Shaoguan woodland in Guangdong. [Method] Tephrosia candida DC and Cajanus cajan ( Linn. ) Millsp, Pennisetum purpureum, Cichorium intybus, Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv and Pennisetum alopecuroides ( L. ) Spreng, the six kinds of forage were used as experimental materials, and the differences in nutritional indicators of the six kinds of forages were evaluated by ANOVA by measuring plant height, biomass, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, crude ash and other indicators. [Result] The results showed that after 90 days of sowing, Pennisetum alopecuroides (L. )Spreng reaches a height of 250 cm, Pennisetum purpureum was 180 cm, Cajanus cajan (Linn. ) Millsp and Tephrosia candida DC were 150 cm and 120 cm, respectively. Pennisetum alopecuroides ( L. ) Spreng and Pennisetum purpureum had a fresh weight of 11 498 kg and 11 761 kg respectively. The highest protein content on nutritional indicators was Tephrosia candida DC (17. 0%), Cajanus cajan ( Linn. ) Millsp was 15. 3 percent. Cajanus cajan ( Linn. ) Millsp had the highest crude fat content at 4. 1%, followed by Cichorium intybus (3. 53%). [Conclusion]The combined results showed that Tephrosia candida DC and Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv were more suitable for understory cultivation, while Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum alopecuroides (L. ) Spreng although had a large yield, its higher plant height may affect other forest land cash crops, and it was more suitable for cultivation under mature forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disciplining and ordering of informal settlement in Puerto Rico is made legible in contemporary cases such as the Villa Sin Miedo land occupation—or rescate de tierra (land rescue)—but can be located much farther back in the island’s agrarian history. My exercise in this essay is to locate traces of racial ordering first in the cañaverales (sugar plantations), and walk them through the mass evictions of urban settlers and the erection of the first residenciales (public housing), in mid-century San Juan. Through the archive, it becomes apparent that Puerto Rican elites and US technocrats shared a vision of modernity wherein humanness, or “‘human’ as modernity sanctioned,” was fundamentally distanced from rurality and Brownness/Blackness. Following Deborah Thomas’s working of “prior-ness,” and what scholars like Sylvia Wynter and Katherine McKittrick have termed “plantation logic,” I argue that sugar-plantation logic—what I call cañaveral logic—is indexed in how the state and its cadre of decision-making elites order residents from the arrabales and later caseríos [public housing projects]. Contrary to what the dominant narrative—supplanted by criollo literature, media, and plans—might suggest, urban settlers pushed back on the “commonsense arrangements” of the modernizing project to open up more humanly workable geographies within the contours of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Numerous models, ranging from simple to multidimensional, have been developed to estimate tree competition within forest stands. These models serve to measure and illustrate the interactions between trees, intending to evaluate the intensity of competition based on these interactions. Typically, these indices rely on the morphological characteristics of trees or the distance between neighboring trees. The assessment of individual tree competition, through the use of competition indices, is based on mathematical techniques that quantify the level of competition experienced by a tree from its neighboring trees. This outcome is commonly interpreted as the detrimental impact of neighboring trees on the growth of individual trees, as they compete for limited resources. Materials and Methods: Distance-independent competition indices are commonly employed to assess the competitiveness of tree species by utilizing tree size ratios, such as dbh, height, basal area, or canopy cover. In contrast, distance-dependent indices take into account the dimensions of neighboring trees and their spatial proximity. To calculate the competitive indices, namely the distance-independent competition index (IDI), distance-dependent competition index by diameter (DDIdbh), and distancedependent competition index by height (DDIh), measurements of diameter and total height were conducted for all trees within sample plots covering a one-hectare area. This investigation was carried out in four stands of poplar plantations located in Gilan province. The distance between the trees was also measured. Subsequently, to determine the wood density and incorporate its value into the distance-independent competition index, 15 trees from various diameter classes were randomly selected within each plot and felled for wood density analysis. The density calculation process was then conducted. Results: The obtained results indicated significant competitive conditions in both types of indices across all stands. In terms of the distanceindependent index, all stands exhibited a significant difference (P≥0.05). However, when comparing the distance-dependent index for tree diameter, stand 3 displayed a significant difference compared to the other stands. Additionally, stands 1, 3, and 4 also exhibited significant differences (P≥0.05). Furthermore, the comparison of the distance competition index for tree height revealed no difference between stands 1 and 2, but a significant difference was observed between stands 3 and 4 (P≥0.05).Conclusion: The calculating of various competition indices holds value in silvicultural programs such as thinning. Such studies yield a clear comprehension of the spatial structure of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the Yunnan-Myanmar borderlands in Kachin State have become a major investment frontier for large-scale agribusiness. Chinese private capital, supported by state-led opium substitution programs, has turned thousands of hectares of forests into plantations. As in many such cases across Southeast Asia and beyond, this rapid development has come at the expense of local communities and displaced persons relying on these lands for their livelihoods and refuge. Caught between Chinese market expansion, and an ongoing war between the Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA), plantations have become sites of often overlooked confrontations, compromise, and conflict operating behind the more spectacular politics of the grand infrastructures like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in this region. Moving across plantation sites, armed bases and border markets; and building on interviews with Chinese entrepreneurs, Kachin leaders, and farmers, the paper explores how plantations have transformed not only environmental space but also social-political dynamics of Kachin State in ways, we argue, that are more difficult to reverse than previous or ongoing military territorialization. In doing so, we aim to localize and contextualize the plantation as a key force rapidly transforming Asian borderworlds, over which broader socio-political struggles, environmental transformations, nature loss, connectivity and developmental become imbricated with bordering space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plantation has become a landscape of political impossibility. Its industrial modes of production and scientific management pose existential threats to local lifeways, stymie social justice movements, and unleash persistent ecological harms. This article argues that a renewed scientific sensibility offers a way to expand local strategies for transformative political praxis in the face of other political constraints. It introduces the notion of 'science-in-vivo', a method of experimentation that has emerged in the context of Philippine banana plantations ravaged by the 'incurable' fungal disease Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race Four, also known as Panama Disease. Literally 'science within the living body', the method combines secular and non-secular thought, and gathers human, nonhuman, and extrahuman forces in ways that break down some of the hegemonic antagonisms that define plantation life. It was inspired, originally, by a series of God-given dreams about microbes in the forests of southern Mindanao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flying squirrels have important roles in ecosystems, dispersing seeds and spores. However, flying squirrel species, which strongly depend on old mature forests, have declined in abundance due to the logging of mature forests. Guidelines for the conservation of flying squirrels have been developed, but it is vital to have an accurate understanding of their ecology to revise the guidelines to be more effective. The Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga, JFS), endangered in wide areas of Japan, is one of the flying squirrel species for which the least ecological information is available. This paper reviews individual reports and attempts to address knowledge gaps in JFS ecology to facilitate conservation strategies. Of particular importance is the fact that JFS uses planted Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) for nesting, gliding and winter forage, and JFS habitat may be strongly influenced by human activities such as forestry. Plantations are regularly logged, so management of plantations needs to be implemented with attention to the JFS habitat. It was also found that some ecological information necessary to develop guidelines for conservation, such as diet, gliding ability, and home-range size, is missing. Clarification of these issues is an important task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: It is essential to explore tree root development, dynamics and its control factors to improve the productivity of plantations. Tree provenance and soil lithology may jointly regulate root growth in subtropical plantations, but this relationship has not yet been quantified. Methods: We used a split-plot design with tree provenances (DY, GP, CY, SG, TM) and soil lithology (basalt, quartz sandstone, feldspathic quartz sandstone, blastopsammite) to determine the root growth of 4-year-old Masson pine seedlings in combination. Results: Our results showed an interaction effect between tree provenances and soil lithology on root surface area (RSA), root length (RL), root volume (RV), root biomass (RB), specific root surface area (SRA) and specific root length (SRL). The RV, RSA, RL, RB, and SRL of the DY provenance were higher than those of the other provenances due to site conditions similar to the planting site (e.g., climate, altitude, and latitude); the RSA, RV, SRL, SRA and RB of DY provenance on the soil with lithology of blastopsammite were significantly lower than those of feldspar quartz sandstone and quartz sandstone, which indicates that the root growth is also affected by soil lithology. Furthermore, soil bulk density, total soil potassium, soil organic carbon and soil particle composition were the main factors affecting root growth in basalt, quartz sandstone, feldspathic quartz sandstone and blastopsammite soil, respectively, indicating that the required soil properties by plants changes with changes in the soil environment. Conclusions: We conclude that provenance and soil lithology jointly drive the root growth of young subtropical plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of carbon storage in 33-year-old Beilschmiedia fordii plantation in Guangxi Nanning Arboretum were studied by standard plot method. Results showed that individual biomass of Beilschmiedia fordii was 324.25 kg/plant and the total biomass was 273.16 t/hm², of which biomass of arbor layer was 262.27 t/hm² respectively, accounting for 96.01% of total biomass. The total carbon storage of Beilschmiedia fordii was 309.29 t/hm~2, of which the overstorey of Beilschmiedia fordii trees stored 126.33 t/hm² and accounted for 40.84%, the soil layer was 178.24 t/hm² and accounting for 57.63%;the under-storey plant stored 2.80 t/hm² and accounted for 0.91%, the litter floor stored 1.92 t/hm² and accounted for 0.62%. The annual net productivity of 33-year-old Beilschmiedia fordii was 11.08 t/hm², and annual net carbon fixation was 5.38 t/hm² which converted into CO2 was 19.70 t/hm². With strong carbon sequestration ability, Beilschmiedia fordii was a good tree species for the development of carbon sequestration forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the soil′s physical and chemical properties as well as soil readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC) content under different stand types, the physico-chemical properties, cation exchange capacity (CEC), ROC content, and other top soil indicators were studied in Schima superba and Eucalyptus urophylla plantations of 30 years old in Changgangshan Natural Reserve of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The results revealed that the contents of total soil organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in Eucalyptus urophylla were significantly higher than those in S. superba. The C/N ratio in S.superba was significantly higher than that in Eucalyptus urophylla, whereas the C/P and N/P ratios in Eucalyptus urophylla were higher than those in S. superba. The soil CECs were not significantly different between the two stands. The total exchangeable base cations and base saturation percentage in Eucalyptus urophylla plantations were significantly higher than those in S. superba plantations. The contents of exchangeable base ions showed a trend of Ca2+＞Mg2+＞K+＞Na+. The ROC contents and ROC/TOC ratio in Eucalyptus urophylla were higher than those in S. superba, with significant differences in ROC between the two stands. The correlation analysis showed that the ROC content in Eucalyptus urophylla plantation had a significant positive correlation with AP (P＜0.05), where as the ROC/TOC was significantly positively correlated with TP (P＜0.05). ROC had a significant positive correlation with CEC in S. superba plantation (P＜0.05), and ROC had an extremely significant positive correlation with ROC/TOC (P＜0.01). We found that the ROC contents were significantly different between the two stand types, and ROC/TOC in S. superba was lower than that in Eucalyptus urophylla plantation, indicating that the soil carbon stability in S. superba plantation is stronger than that in Eucalyptus urophylla plantation thus resulting in higher carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the most of main date fruit producer regions, including Iran, date palm crown access operation is still performed traditionally. The date plantation workers need to climb date trees. This may cause an unsafe condition, which increases the risk of fall from height. It is also associated with ergonomic and health problems. The present study aimed to develop a date tree climber device (DTCD) covering all aspects of safety, ergonomics and efficiency. A primary model of the DTCD was structured and modified based on a review of existing devices, a field investigation and an unstructured interview with 20 farmworkers. Participants rated their comfort, perceived pain and discomfort as well as exertion levels when using the DTCD compared to a traditional device (Parband). In total, eight key elements were suggested for the desired device. More than 60% of the participants reported that the DTCD was comfortable/very comfortable compared to Parband. Additionally, DTCD could significantly reduce the pain and discomfort of the back (p <.001), knees (p =.001) and Ankles/feet (p =.01). However, no significant difference was found between devices when the physical exertion was compared through Borg's RPE scale and heart rate analysis. The results of regression analysis showed that the DTCD users perceived lower exertion as the body weight increased (β = −0.18, p =.013). The signs of musculoskeletal disorders, pain and discomfort were strongly reduced among DTCD users and safety aspects improved, generally by reducing discomfort and physical exertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the construction of London's West India Docks in 1802, I argue that this project established a feedback loop with conditions of production in the Caribbean. Through an analysis of committee minutes, letters, parliamentary papers and visual art, I move beyond economic accounts of slavery's impact to demonstrate how geographies of security and surveillance—first developed on the sugar plantation—were imported into the design and function of London's port. As such, I argue that London's docks produced a geography of segregation which offers a unique insight into the workings of racial capitalism and its exploitation of group‐differentiated vulnerabilities. Positioning my discussion alongside London's contemporary landscape, I excavate Britain's repressed memories of slavery to illustrate how they still scar the urban environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coffee plantations of the world, renowned for their rich and aromatic yields, bear an intricate relationship with the environment that extends far beyond the simple act of cultivation. This abstract explores the multifaceted importance of coffee plantations for the environment, unravelling their distinctive attributes and unique contributions to ecological well-being. The significance of coffee plantations resides not only in their role as providers of one of the world's most beloved beverages but also in their potential as environmental assets. These plantations serve as reservoirs of biodiversity, harbouring a remarkable array of flora and fauna, including endangered species. Shade-grown coffee, in particular, stands out for its role in preserving forest cover, supporting migratory bird populations, and safeguarding critical ecosystems. By fostering agroforestry practices, coffee plantations exemplify a harmonious coexistence of agriculture and nature. Beyond biodiversity, coffee cultivation incorporates sustainable farming techniques that emphasize the preservation of soil health, water resources, and the reduction of chemical inputs. The implementation of eco-friendly methods, such as organic farming and sustainable land management, not only minimizes the environmental footprint but also promotes the regeneration of ecosystems. Furthermore, coffee plantations represent a source of livelihood for millions of small-scale farmers across the globe. This social dimension is closely intertwined with the environmental, as the economic sustainability of coffee farming can incentivize responsible land stewardship and the preservation of natural resources. In essence, coffee plantations are far more than sources of the morning brew; they embody a unique intersection of agriculture, ecology, and livelihoods. This abstract underscores the particularities of coffee plantations' importance for the environment, painting a picture of an industry that, when approached with care and commitment, can enrich the planet's ecological tapestry and foster sustainable coexistence between human activity and nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable use of lavender, a fragrant and versatile herb with a rich history, has gained prominence as a model of responsible agriculture and product development. This abstract delves into the multifaceted aspects of sustainable lavender use and the products derived from it, emphasizing the delicate balance between lavender farming, environmental well-being, and economic viability. Lavender, renowned for its aromatic allure and diverse applications, serves as a symbol of sustainable agriculture in its cultivation regions. This abstract explores the interconnected dimensions of sustainable lavender use and the diverse range of products that emerge from this emblematic herb. The sustainable cultivation of lavender embodies a harmonious relationship between agriculture and the environment. Lavender farms often adopt eco-friendly practices, minimizing their ecological footprint and demonstrating a balanced agroecological system. Lavender fields serve as habitats for pollinators, beneficial insects, and native plant species. Sustainable lavender farming practices contribute to biodiversity preservation and the overall health of the local ecosystem. Responsible resource management is at the core of sustainable lavender cultivation. Water-wise irrigation systems, organic farming methods, and judicious pesticide usage are pivotal in conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact. Sustainable lavender farming supports the livelihoods of local communities, particularly small-scale farmers. The economic dimension of lavender cultivation aligns seamlessly with the environmental, as farmers recognize the importance of responsible land management. The versatility of lavender extends to the products derived from it. Lavender yields a diverse range of items, including essential oils, fragrances, culinary ingredients, and health and wellness products. The sustainable production of these items embodies ecological responsibility and consumer well-being. Lavender has deep cultural and historical roots, often intertwined with the heritage of the regions where it is cultivated. Sustainable lavender use not only respects cultural traditions but also fosters a sense of cultural pride and environmental stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

he cultivation of lavender in the picturesque Banat area, known for its semi-arid climate, botanical diversity, and rich cultural heritage, has emerged as a focal point of interest in the context of sustainable agriculture. This abstract embarks on a journey to explore the sustainability of lavender cultures in Banat, shedding light on the intricate dynamics between lavender farming and ecological well-being. Lavender, celebrated for its aromatic allure and diverse applications, thrives in Banat's distinctive ecosystem. However, its cultivation in this region extends far beyond the production of fragrant essential oils. Lavender farming exemplifies a holistic approach to agriculture that emphasizes environmental harmony, economic vitality, and cultural preservation. The manuscript highlights the sustainable essence of lavender cultures in Banat. Beyond its aromatic appeal, lavender farming exemplifies a harmonious relationship with the environment, the preservation of biodiversity, and the conservation of precious natural resources. The multi-faceted significance of lavender farming positions it as a model of responsible agriculture, where the interconnectedness of human activity and nature is celebrated for the benefit of both. Lavender cultivation in Banat reflects a delicate balance between agriculture and nature. The semi-arid climate and well-adapted lavender varieties minimize ecological impact, promoting a harmonious coexistence with the local ecosystem. Lavender fields in Banat serve as havens for a wide array of pollinators, beneficial insects, and native plant species. Their presence bolsters biodiversity, contributing to the resilience of the regional environment. Sustainable farming practices within lavender cultivation prioritize resource efficiency. Water-wise irrigation systems, organic farming techniques, and limited pesticide usage are integral to resource preservation, reducing the environmental footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay examines the complex intertwining of colonial and postcolonial subjectivities in the making of memories about the colonial past. The essay uses literature and cinema as archive and intersubjectivity as the lens to argue that memories of the Empire are culled in the complex intersection of the subjective experiences of the individual and a community's collective perceptions of the past and the present. Accordingly, the essay calls for due diligence to the immediate postcolonial context in which the colonial memory project is ordained. At a more elementary level, the essay argues that the reduction of colonial experiences to a conflictual negation of the imperialist project impairs our understanding of the myriad factors mediating the colonial encounter. The polysemy of colonial memories reflects the multiplicity of intersubjective exchanges within a community. In this case, the Assamese short story, 'Chameli Memsaab', written by Nirode Choudhury, and describing the affection of a benign planter sahib for Chameli, a coolie woman, becomes our focal point for entry into the neglected domain of Assamese literary representations of the European planter, that put a gloss on the dark side of Plantation abuses in Assam, to project the plantation economy as a desirable addendum to the Raj. Our survey of short stories written in Assamese, in the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries, reveal a profoundly ambivalent attitude towards the unequal sexual exchange between the European sahib and the coolie woman, which we call 'the intimate economy of tea' in Assam, and which, as the coercive underside of the economy, denuded the production relations on the plantations of their putatively capitalist character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports tests in the Adrar region of the promising woody species, Balanites aegyptiaca, in 2014. The species behaviour at different development stages (nursery, juvenile stage and adult stage) was monitored and evaluated. The evaluation took the criteria into account. The obtained results showed a significant correlation between the number of leaves and growth in height; showing that direct seeding is the most appropriate planting technique. Dendrometric parameters are positively related, resulting in a slenderness factor of 60% with a yield of 799.9 ± 481 fruits per tree. These preliminary results suggest that the work should be replicated, with a view to domesticating the species in southern Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased demand for sustainable timber products has resulted in large investments in agroforestry in Australia, with plantations growing various Pinus species, selected to suit a plantation's environment. Juvenile Pinus species have a low fire tolerance. With Australia's history of wildfires and the likelihood of climate change exacerbating that risk, the potential for a total loss of invested capital is high unless cost-effective targeted risk minimisation is part of forest management plans. Based on the belief that the understory profiles within the juvenile plantations are a major factor determining fuel hazard risks, an accurate assessment of these profiles is required to effectively mitigate those risks. At present, assessment protocols are largely reliant on ground-based observations, which are labour-intensive, time consuming, and expensive. This research project investigates the effectiveness of using geospatial analysis of drone-derived photographic data collected in the commercial pine plantations of south-eastern Queensland as a cost-saving alternative to current fuel hazard risk assessment practices. Understory composition was determined using the supervised classification of orthomosaic images together with derivations of canopy height models (CHMs). The CHMs were subjected to marker-controlled watershed segmentation (MCWS) analysis, isolating and removing the plantation pine trees, enabling the quantification of understory fuel profiles. The method used proved highly applicable to immature forest environments with minimal canopy closure, but became less reliable for close canopied older plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this short article I explore what a race-centered concept of the Plantationocene, developed mainly by scholars working in the Americas, yields analytically when it travels to another context. Race is not a concept in common use in contemporary Indonesia. Yet Cedric Robinson’s expanded concept of racialism as the practice of forging differences among people for the purpose of extraction, while treating such differences as innate, is profoundly resonant. To make this argument I first outline Indonesia’s colonial plantation regime and its racialized legacies. Then I draw on ethnographic research I conducted with Pujo Semedi to show how contemporary oil palm plantation corporations produce a racialized form of difference as a core element of their social, spatial, and political organization. In Indonesia’s plantation zone, I suggest, racialism is embedded in routine practices and arrangements, and so thoroughly normalized it passes without note. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on Paulownia cultivation and wood properties is up to date in many countries. However, there are no data on the properties of this wood defined on a microscale, on microtome samples. The main aim of this study was to find the best valorization path for the wood of Paulownia Shang Tong Hybrid F1 from an extensively cultivated plantation established in April 2017 in Poland by determining the tensile strength, the wood density, the strength-to-density ratio, and the modulus of elasticity on a cross-section of the trunk. The wood was collected from extensive plantation, where production is based on the natural resources of the habitat and ambient weather conditions, which is the opposite to the intensive cultivation model, which is the recommended model of Paulownia cultivation. The results of this study show that the mean density of the analyzed samples was approximately 210 kg/m3 when the mean value of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) was approximately 2400 MPa. The mean result for the tensile strength ratio to density was 11.25 km. In the case of anatomical structure, the increasing trend with age was noticed both in fiber and vessel characteristics. The study results provide unique data worldwide about Paulownia wood's properties based on a cross-section of the trunk, from plantations cultivated in conditions which are not recommended by seedlings producers. The obtained data indicate that the Paulownia wood (examined) from the cultivation in this study has a technical quality similar to that of model-intensive agricultural plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil information is the basis of soil management and precise variable fertilization. The traditional method of obtaining soil information through chemical detection of laboratory has high cost and poor timeliness, which is difficult to meet the needs of digital forestry, soil monitoring and real-time management of nutrients. Taking red soil of Eucalyptus plantation in northern Guangxi as the research object, the spectral data of samples with different soil available potassium contents were measured, and the spectral characteristics were analyzed, and the inversion model was established by using PLS method. The results showed that the spectral sensitive bands of available potassium content in red soil of the region mainly concentrated in 400 -600, 1 450, 2 200 nm and so on. After the first derivative transformation, the redundant information in the original spectral data can be significantly reduced, and the correlation between spectral indexes and soil available potassium content can be improved. The full-band modeling results of R and FDR were better than those of significant bands. The optimal model was full-band-FDR-PLS, R2 =0.862, and RMSE =2.718. The results of this study can be used for the application of near-earth remote sensing in Guangxi, such as soil digital mapping, precise variable fertilization and real-time monitoring of soil available potassium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoculture may drastically reduce biodiversity and change communities' structure due to habitat simplification. Plantations of Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex Ducke ('paricá') has been expanding in the Amazon region due to the increased demand for veneer and plywood production. Our objective was to assess whether bird communities in paricá plantations and forested areas differ in terms of composition, richness, abundance, trophic structure, and functional trait composition. This study was conducted in young paricá plantations (1 to 5 years) and forest fragments in eastern Amazon, state of Pará, Brazil. We sampled birds in five plantation sites (each paired with a nearby forested area) using both the point-count method and mist nets. We recorded 208 bird species, 132 in forest fragments and 94 in plantations. Comparatively, habitats showed distinct species composition and trait composition, with few shared species (n = 18). Paricá plantations did not support forest species, while forest fragments harbored specialized bird communities that are more sensitive to environmental change as well as endangered species. In this way, the protection of these forested areas surrounding paricá plantations is a priority for forest biodiversity conservation, given the rapid deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the changes in carbon storage and determine the peak age of carbon storage in Larix kaempferi plantations in western Hubei mountains, trunk biomass data of 87 standard plots and 249 sample trees aged 8-41 years were used. The biomass estimation equation of a single tree trunk was established, the carbon storage per unit area of each stand was calculated based on the biomass expansion factor and carbon coefficient, and the carbon storage prediction equation of the stand was established. The results showed that the average stem biomass per plant in L. kaempferi plantations in this region was 85.334 kg (2.694-395.214 kg). The goodness-of-fit of the univariate and binary equations with diameter at breast height (DBH) or tree height as variables for the growth of single tree trunks was above 0.9, and the binary equation had higher goodness-of-fit and accuracy. The average carbon storage per unit area of the stand was 77.465 t ·hm-2 (4.573-172.512 t ·hm-2), and the plots with 60 to 120 t ·hm-2 accounted for 64.4% of all the plots. Three models of Richards, Korf, and Gompertz were used to estimate the carbon storage of the stand, and it was found that the carbon storage of the stand and its average and continuous annual carbon accumulation were very similar. The maximum continuous annual carbon accumulation and maximum average carbon accumulation were approximately 6.2 and 3.9 t ·hm-2, respectively, and the peak ages were 13-15 a and 23 a, respectively. Richards and Gompertz models were suitable for the prediction of carbon storage of L. kaempferi in western Hubei mountains. The carbon accumulation period was rapid in the middle and young stands (before 15 years), and the 23rd year was the peak age of carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we aimed to understand the effects of nitrogen (N) -fixing and non-N-fixing tree species on the stoichiometric characteristics of soil carbon (C), N, phosphorus (P), and soil readily oxidized carbon (ROC) in south China. We determined the levels of soil total organic C (TOC), total N (TN), total P (TP), and ROC in 13-year-old Acacia crassicaipa and Eucalyptus urophylla plantations in Heshan, Guangdong Province, to analyze their characteristics and correlation of N-fixing and non-N-fixing tree species after afforestation. The results showed that soil ROC and TOC contents in N-fixing tree stands were significantly higher than those in non-N-fixing tree stands (P＜0.05), and ROC/TOC values were lower in the N-fixing than the non-N-fixing tree stand soils, indicating that soil C stability was improved in the N-fixing tree stand soils compared to the non-N-fixing tree stand soils. The soil TN content and C: N value were significantly higher in the N-fixing stands than in the non-N-fixing stands (P＜0.05). Soil C: P, N: P, and C: N: P were higher in the N-fixing stands, but the differences were not statistically significant. Soil TOC and TN were positively correlated in both stands (P＜0.01). In N-fixing stands, soil TOC and TN were negatively correlated with ROC/TOC (P＜0.05), and soil water content (SWC), C: P, and N: P were significantly positively correlated with TOC (P＜0.05). In south China, where SWC is high, afforestation with N-fixing trees increased soil TN and TOC contents and soil stoichiometric ratio, which helped improve soil C stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infestation of stem and root borer is one of the most important constraints in cashew cultivation. The study of wood borer diversity and its abundance in cashew is lacking. Such studies are paramount to devise effective pest management strategies against wood borers in cashew. The present study was carried out to investigate the diversity, abundance and species composition of wood borers in cashew plantations at Goa, India. Over two years, thirty dead or dying trees were felled for intensive sampling. Estimated the number of exit bore holes, number of larvae, pupae/cocoon and adults of wood borers and identified the species. Sixteen species of wood boring beetles comprising of ten Cerambycidae, two Curculionidae and one each of Buprestidae, Bostrichidae, Brenthidae and Platypodinae of coleopteran were identified from the borer infested cashew trees. Among the wood boring beetles of cashew plantations, the species Neoplocaederus ferrugineus and N. obesus were found to be major pests and consisted of 26.30 and 21.60% of the total population of wood borers. The relative population abundance of Batocera rufomaculata and Euplatypus parallelus was 14.16 and 10.30%, respectively. The species Belionota prasina and Coptops aedificator were recorded 9.34 and 4.33% of the total population of wood borers. The wood borers damaging cashew plantations were dominated by the family Cerambycidae accounting for 74.58% of total relative abundance. Platypodinae accounted for 10.3% of total relative abundance followed by Buprestidae 9.34% and Curculionidae 3.57%. The present findings enhance the understanding of associated wood borers in cashew plantations which will help in formulating suitable management strategies for sustainable management of wood borers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces the multi-dimensional aspects to South Indian coolie life in nineteenth and early twentieth century Malaya to interject into decades of scholarship that has trained on a homogenous focus on plantation fieldwork. In search of the nuances of diasporic diversity, I located three memoirs written by European planters of the Malayan plantocracy, set in rubber plantations and selected primarily for their reflections of South Indian coolie life from various socio-cultural angles. My reading of the three memoirs uncovered a host of various micro-narratives surrounding South Indians in the plantation, including references to cattle rearing, legacies of ancient ayurveda practices as well as the participatory communal network between coolie women as wage earners, wives, midwives and mothers. I conclude by arguing that such a host of eclectic tones can effectively bring other stories, to the surface and dismantle monotonous perceptions of South Indian coolie life in Malaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a 30-year-old Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation in the sandy land of Hulunbeier Forest-grass transition area as the research object, the forest gaps formed after natural disturbance were divided into four area(S) grades (Ⅰ: S≤50 m 2,Ⅱ: 50m 2 100 m 2 ), and the gap position was divided into gap center, near gap center, gap border and non-gap. And the species diversity under the gap of different area grades and position was analyzed. The results showed that: only the richness index R0(number of species), Simpson index, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Pielou index in Ⅱgrade gap were significantly different from those of other forest gaps and non-gap in different area grads of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation in the sandy land (P<0.05). There were significant differences in richness index, Simpson index and Shannon-Wiener index between gap center, near gap center, gap border and non-gap, respectively. The order of the species richness index from large to small was near gap center, gap center, gap border and non-gap. In Conclusion, the formation of forest gap can significantly improved plant richness of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation in the sandy land, promote understory species diversity, and suitable size of forest gap had positive effect on species composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will compare two works by two Black Surinamese authors from the last century: Anton de Kom (1898–1945) and Edgar Cairo (1948–2000). While keenly aware that the Netherlands/the Dutch Empire has shaped their world by forceful and violent means, in their writing both Cairo and de Kom effectively push the Netherlands to the margins. In these texts it is present as the evil force to be fought, or as the invisible past evils that have created the present, but these stories are not about the Dutch or The Netherlands. De Kom counters the Dutch narratives and heroes with those of the enslaved people who escape to the hinterlands (het binnenland), while Cairo flaunts white colonial norms with his story of what he calls 'the backyard' (het erf). De Kom's hinterland and Cairo's backyard echo chronotopes such as Paul Gilroy's slave ship and Édouard Glissant's metaphors of the plantation, the hinterland and the creole language. These are conceptions of the Caribbean and Black diasporic history, voicing some of the ways in which 'culture happened' in spite of the efforts of colonization and the plantation system, offering an alternative that is native to a transplanted people/diasporic people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the Social Impact and Economic Activities of the Oil Palm Plantation Company PT. Bumi Mekar Tani in Jadi Mulya I Village, Kec. Nibung, North Musi Rawas Regency. This research is research that uses descriptive qualitative research methods, namely research that seeks to describe or describe the object under study based on facts in the field. The result of this research is that the Oil Palm Plantation Company, PT. Bumi Mekar Tani provides social and economic impacts to the people of Jadi Mulya I Village. The Social Impact consists of: Plantation Company PT. Bumi Mekar Tani in Jadi Mulya I Village has social impacts such as conflict. The conflicts that occur are in the form of overlapping land issues, namely the struggle for land rights between indigenous people and plantation companies, minor conflicts between plantation audits and transportation service providers, Migration of Population to Jadi Mulya I Village occurs due to economic factors, namely: reduced community welfare, income which is still lacking. the occurrence of conflicts, namely: overlapping land between the community and the plantation company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats have long been recognized as important pest controllers. However, there are no studies evaluating the potential of bats in predating insect pests of Eucalyptus trees, one of the most planted trees worldwide. We evaluated the predation of 3 worldwide spread Eucalyptus pest, Ctenarytaina spatulata, C. eucalypti and Gonipterus platensis, in Portugal, and also the former main pest biological control agent, the parasitoid Anaphes nitens. We used molecular methods to identify 10 bat species from 356 droppings and used a specific PCR assay to detect the 4 target insects. We detected C. eucalypti in 3 droppings, C. spatulata in 4, G. platensis in 1, and none with A. nitens. Our results indicate that bats can potentially act as suppressing agents of the novel exotic prey in eucalypt plantations, but their importance seems low, likely as a result of their low use of eucalypt plantations as foraging grounds. Managing plantations to attract bats, would not only help in bat conservation, but could also increase natural pest control of eucalypt pests, leading to more sustainable forestry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]