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The Framework Tree Species Method for Lowland Deciduous Forest in Northern Thailand
FORRU has successfully
carried out forest restoration, using the framework species
method, in upland forests at Ban Mae Sa Mai. One of FORRU's
current objectives is to determine the best techniques for
the restoration of degraded lowland areas in northern Thailand,
formerly covered by deciduous forests. In these areas, natural
forest recovery it severely constrained by 3 major factors:
1) high fire risk, ii) presence of domestic cattle and iii)
severely degraded soils. A summary of research on lowland
species restoration is presented here.
This work is supported
by Thailand's Biodiversity Research and Training Program (BRT).
Between 2006 and 2008, this project was sponsored under the
project BRT_R 348006 “Establishing test plots for
adaptation of the framework species method of forest restoration
for biodiversity recovery in deciduous forest ecosystems”.
For more details of this project, the final report (March
2008) to BRT is available at the following link: Lowland
Framework Species: Final Report 2008. The current project,
“Propagation and performance trials of framework
tree species for restoration of deciduous forest ecosystems”
will continue until 2010. The end of first year report can
be seen at the following link: First
Year Report.
With support from Thailand's Biodiversity Research and Training
Program (BRT), FORRU has been working to optimise theframework
species method to restore biodiversity in degraded deciduous
forests at lowland sites. This project commenced at two sites,
the Phrae Campus of Mae Jo University and  Mae
Ow Watershed Development Project in Lamphun Province.
The site at Mae Ow was abandoned due to forest fire and cattle
damage in the hot season of 2007, and experiments were tranferred
to Huay Teung Tao reservoir in Chiang Mai province, where
experimentation continues. Left:
FORRU Research Nursery Staff with trees planted at Huay Teung
Tao in 1997
 Lowland
deciduous forest tree species are different from those that
have been proved to be successful framework species at higher
elevations. The first and most critical step in adapting the
framework species methods to any new forest type is tree species
selection. Therefore, we used existing data to select candidate
framework species most suited to the harsh conditions of the
lowland sites. This project involves two tree nurseries, which
are now growing a total of 64 tree species for testing as
framework tree species. Suitable seed germination treatments
are being tested and production schedules are being researched
and developed to ensure that trees are ready for planting
in the early rainy season. Right: Khun Thonglaw and a
Ficus callosa 3 months after planting in 2008.
 Before
tree planting, surveys were carried out to determine the initial
condition of the vegetation, bird communities and soil conditions,
so biodiversity levels can be compared between before and
after planting. Ten rai of experimental plots were established
at both Mae Jo and Mae Ow in July 2006, including planting
15 candidate framework species. An additional four rai were
planted at both Mae Jo and Huay Teung Tao in June 2007, and
four rai at Huay Teung Tao in June 2008, adding up to a total
of 22 rai of experimental plots planted. Above: Ajarn
Somboon from CMU surveying birds at Huay Teung Tao.
Germination trials were
carried out to determine the most effective techniques to
propagate potential framework tree species for deciduous forests.
Silvicultural treatments tested included filling the planting
hole with compost and various fertiliser application regimes.
Monitoring results at the end of the first rainy season indicated
that good survival and growth rates had been achieved. Initial
indications are that more intensive treatments (compost in
the planting hole and high rates of fertilizer application)
are likely to achieve the best results.
In 2009, an additional
4 rai of plots were planted at Huay Teung Tao. In addition
to testing new candidate framework species, these plots are
testing the effectiveness of different weeding regimes in
the lowland context.
 By
working closely with the Royal Thai Army, local NGO’s
and schools, the plots at HTT are now beginning to fulfill
their secondary role as educational facilities for forest
restoration. The site was used a venue for the field trip
of the workshop “The Future of Forest Restoration Research
in Indochina” held in March 12-14th 2008. About 50 international
delegates were able to observe the high growth rates. Right:
Khun Somkit stands with a 3 month old Erythrina stricta
planted in 2008.
In addition, CMU and the
Royal Thai Army have worked on a proposal to manage this area
as a bird corridor, adjoining Doi Suthep Pui National Park.
Plans are underway to create more bird habitats in this area,
increase forest cover and create educational trails and signs
for visiting students. The bird sanctuary proposal is copied
in the appendix. Furthermore, about 40 children from Prem
International Centre joined in the planting event as part
of their environment group’s extracurricular activities.
Several interns (university students) at FORRU-CMU have joined
in the maintenance and monitoring activities at the plots.
The demonstration plots at MJU Phrae Campus have also been
used for class work for about 200 students, for forest restoration
lessons and field labs work. The plots were visited by teachers
from Vietnam and local villagers also received training in
tree propagation methods at the nursery.
The progress of the planted
trees has been monitored at regular intervals since planting.
The forest fire at Mae Ow provided the opportunity to study
the fire resistance of the tree species.
Devising a framework species
system to restore deciduous forests in northern Thailand has
become a far more challenging task than expected. In evergreen
forest, framework species were easy to identify, and we had
identified a functional range of species and achieve impressive
demo plots within 3-4 years after starting nursery and field
work. This was probably because i) there are more species
to choose from in evergreen forest; ii) conditions for tree
growth are much better ab ove
1,000 m elevation than in the lowlands and iii) human disturbance,
especially cattle and fire, was less intense. In deciduous
forest, the main problem has been fire and cattle destroying
the planted trees before completion of field trials, despite
considerable expenditure on fire break cutting and employment
of local people for fire prevention and suppression. Having
shifted the field trial plot system to Huay Teung Tao has
allowed the project to progress with less difficulties with
cattle and fire so FORRU will continue to expand the field
trial plots in this region. Left: Nursery staff Khun Thongyod
and Khun Somkit inspect Cassia bakeriana, three months
after planting in 2008.
Framework Species Profiles for Lowland Forests in Northern Thailand
Profiles of some potential
framework species which have suitability scores >50 are
presented below.
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