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This is a temperate-boreal northern hemisphere species, in tropical regions known only from the East African mountains, and extending down to South Africa (Blockeel et al., 2006c). In East Africa it was first reported [as Neckera complanata (Hedw.) Huebener var. maxima Dixon] from Kenya (Mt Kenya, at 3000 m) by Dixon (1918), and it also occurs in the Taita Hills (Mbololo, at 1650 m) in the SE part of the country (Bytebier & Chuah-Petiot, 2002). It was reported from Tanzania (Mt Meru, at 2375 m) by Blockeel et al. (2003). The South African collections came from much lower altitudes (400 and 450 m). The African specimens reported by Bytebier & Chuah-Petiot (2002), Blockeel et al. (2003, 2006c) were all epiphytic. The present Ugandan specimens were collected on rocks. Altitude (4100 m) is given on only one of the two specimens, but as both were collected the same day, the other one probably comes from an approximately similar altitude. They do not represent Dixon's (1918) var. maxima, as the shoots are less than 5 cm long; in var. maxima they were up to 15 cm long. The leaves in the Ugandan specimens are slightly narrower than is typical for the species, but otherwise the specimens agree well with the rather variable A. complanata.

The chapter summarises the research data on cultivating forest crops in abandoned and marginal farmlands (AL). The course of growth and productivity of different tree species in the local climatic conditions is clarified in a variety of agricultural soils. The research results show the most appropriate tree species for short-rotation or special end-use monoculture or mixed plantations, using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench), alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.), wild cherry (Cerasus avium (L.) Moench syn. Prunus avium), aspen (Populus tremula L.), hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x tremuloides), and small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata Mill.). At the same time, research results show sustainability of management of plantation forests-positive impact on soil agrochemical properties, proportionate changes on above-ground vegetation, and improvement of economic benefits of farmlands.

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