Advances in forest restoration management and technology

Abstract

Forest landscape restoration is a participatory process for setting objectives that should be explicitly stated and recognize the needs of local communities. Restoration technology should be appropriate to site and landscape conditions as well as socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This chapter focuses on establishing forests where they are currently lacking. The techniques discussed can also establish trees outside of forests or restore degraded forests. Topics include understanding and documenting initial conditions and monitoring outcomes. Passive regeneration techniques include natural regeneration, sometimes with assistance. Active techniques addressed cover direct seeding by hand or drones and planting. Quality plant material is critical to achieve adequate seedling survival; we survey advanced methods of genomics, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, and genome editing. Other topics include seed collection and seed orchards, nursery practices, seed zones, assisted migration, and planting designs. Site modification techniques considered are conventional mechanical site preparation, micro-catchments, mulching, water-absorbing gels, and biostimulants.