Deforestation: the effect of the replacement of tropical forests with tree plantations

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In a new study recently published on Plant and Soil, a team of scientists (among them, CMCC researchers T. Chiti, E. Grieco, L. Perugini and R. Valentini from IAFENT Division) quantified soil organic carbon (SOC) losses due to a change in land use from primary forest to tree plantations (cocoa, coconut, rubber, oil palm) on the different substrates of the Jomoro district in Ghana. Secondary forests and mixed plantations were also included in the study.

Results highlighted that all conversions to tree plantations caused substantial SOC losses, comparable to the conversion of forests to agricultural systems. Secondary forests and mixed plantations were the only sustainable land uses that restricted SOC losses considerably.

Read the integral version of the paper:
Chiti T., Grieco E., Perugini L., Rey A., Valentini R.
Effect of the replacement of tropical forests with tree plantations on soil organic carbon levels in the Jomoro district, Ghana
2013, Plant and Soil, DOI: 10.1007/s11104-013-1928-1

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