Requirements for success of reforestation projects in a semiarid low‐mountain region of the Jinsha River Basin, southwestern China

Abstract

Most reforestation projects have not been successful in the low-mountain region of the Jinsha River Basin, which has a harsh environment (high temperatures and lack of available water). Analysis of few successful reforestation cases in Yuanmou, Yunnan Province of China, a typical semiarid region of the Jinsha River Basin, reveals that a holistic approach is needed for successful reforestation in the region. Techniques of tree planting need to be taken into account to ensure normal growth during the early stages after transplanting from the nursery in such a dry and hot environment. More important are the follow-up management of trees and the implementation of management policies in reforestation areas, of which after-care and forest watching are important measures.

More than just trees: Assessing reforestation success in tropical developing countries

“…Site preparation can also involve the construction of fences to exclude grazing livestock. Poor site preparation has been an important contributor to low survival rates of planted trees and poor tree growth performance (Dagar et al, 2001;Stringer, 2001;Zhang et al, 2002).…”

“…For example, if not managed properly, weeds can cause reforestation failure through competition and through increased fire hazard and shelter for pest animals. Livestock grazing is also a common cause of reforestation failure in the tropics (Zhang et al, 2002) as grazing animals can kill and damage seedlings and young trees. Thinning, pruning and fertilising may also be important silvicultural treatments, especially where the production of good quality timber trees is a reforestation objective.…”

Land use and soil erosion in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River: some socio‐economic considerations on China's Grain‐for‐Green Programme

“…This can be done by providing surface ground cover. At the same time as tree seedling planting, shrubs are planted to reduce water runoff and soil erosion, while increasing soil water storage (Zhang et al, 2002). In fact, shrub planting and grasslands also have more rapid conservation effects than tree planting.…”

“…and grasses has been demonstrated in the upper Yantze River Basin: trees were transplanted in 3-4 m rows with a tree spacing of 1-2 m; shrubs were directly planted in rows between the rows of trees with 0Á3-0Á5 m spacing; and a natural grass cover was allowed to establish itself over the rest of the area (Zhang et al, 2002). Therefore, more attention should be paid to afforestation combined with planting of shrubs and grasses for carrying out the Grainfor-Green Programme.…”

Monitoring of soil erosion and assessment for contribution of sediments to rivers in a typical watershed of the Upper Yangtze River Basin

“…The soils, typical of the hilly areas in the middle Sichuan, which are prone to run off, are classified as Regosols in the FAO soil taxonomy. Similar to other regions of the Upper Yangtze River Basin, the forest cover was heavily reduced for industrial purposes in this area in 1958 (Zhang et al, 2002). Consequently, only a small part of vegetation (Cupressus funebris Endl., Pinus massoniana Lamb., Quercus fabri Hance, Quercus glandulifera, Heteropogon contortus, Capillipedium parviflorum, Coriaria sinica Maxim.)…”