Therefore, we are proposing and testing an economic cost-benefit model involving timber trees, leguminous cover crops, and beans on a rotational basis that will allow the farmer to continue to raise some livestock. The plan is predicted to decrease soil erosion, increase soil fertility and production sustainability, and yield income in the first years from a combinaiton of reforestation incentives and farm productivity. The unique aspects of the model and its test are the use of native trees and cover crops adapted to the soils and climate, and the application of the test to a farm already in an advanced stage of ecological and economic degradation. Carpenter, FL, D. Nichols, M.E. Rosemeyer, and J. Kettler Contributed paper to Seventh Annual International Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration. Seattle, WA September 1995.
Native trees have potential for regenerating tropical eroded cattle pasture.
Several tree species native to Costa Rica have proven capable of growth in these degraded soils. Local farmers are beginning to show interest in reforesting with native trees. However, most nurseries rarely are able to record the provenances of the seedlings and may use seeds from a single individual. Survival and growth rates varied at least 7-fold, depending on seed tree identity. Such strong effects have serious repercussions for the social acceptance of native species for reforestation.