Plantation Forestry in the Tropics

Abstract Development of planted forests in tropical and subtropical countries is accelerating to satisfy the ever-growing global demands for wood products. Indeed, it is expected that within 20 years half of all wood fibre in the world will be sourced from plantations, of which more than half are in the tropics and subtropics. As well as intensively-managed, industrial wood plantations, trees are increasingly being planted as part of farming systems, and to control erosion and rehabilitate degraded lands and forests. Active community involvement in tree planting as part of rural development is now widespread and welcome. This book provides an overview that sets plantation silviculture in the wider context of…