Plot designs for the analysis of species interactions in mixed stands , M.J. Kelty and I.R. Cameron , pp. Managing for biodiversity in humid tropical forests Jeffrey A. Sayer , Pieter A. Zuidema and Meta H. Rijks One of the major issues surrounding the debate on sustainability of management of tropical forests is the impact of different forest management strategies on biodiversity. Recent research has suggested a number of options for minimising the risks to biodiversity of forestry operations. The maintenance of extensive conventional national parks and equivalent reserves still constitutes the best option from the purely biological standpoint. However, social, economic and demographic realities coupled with increased knowledge of the ecology and distribution of tropical forest species, suggests that appropriate forestry practice can contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation.
Development is variable in the plot affected by early fires, depending on soil fertility.
Regeneration of exotic species into the plots has now complicated the picture. We discuss limitations of both methods and suggest some possible enhancements. The need to discriminate between past, present and potential uses is emphasized. T.J. Wormald and L. Russo Literature is reviewed on the biological, economic and social effects of plantations of mixed or single tree species. There are relatively few reliable examples of quantified benefits of plantations consisting of several tree species compared with single species, in which the species or provenance has been correctly matched to the site and to the objectives and are managed according to good silvicultural practices.