Agroforestry Extension Resources

bullet1 Resources A010-019

bullet2 A010 Tropical tree planting manuals

Vol. 1 Rooting Cuttings of Tropical Trees.
K.A.Longman. 1995.  Illustrated by R H F Wilson. Commonwealth Science Council. 137pp ISBN 0 85092 394 8 English. Printed and HTML. Video. Also in Spanish

Vol. 2 Raising Seedlings of Tropical Trees.
K.A.Longman, 2003. Illustrated by E Dobson. Commonwealth Science Council. ISBN 0 85092 *** *  English. Printed and HTML

Vol. 3 Growing Good Tropical Trees for Planting
K.A.Longman, 1996 Illustrated by R H F Wilson. Commonwealth Science Council. 226pp ISBN 0 85092 535 5 English. Printed and HTML

Vol. 4 Preparing to Plant Tropical Trees
K.A.Longman, 1996 Illustrated by R H F Wilson Commonwealth Science Council. 238pp ISBN 0 85092 418 9  English. Printed and HTML

Vol. 5 Planting and Establishment of Tropical Trees
K.A.Longman, to be published in 2004 by the Commonwealth Science Council.

These manuals are concerned mainly with plantation forestry, but many of the techniques and principles are applicable to agroforestry. The manuals have been designed specifically for modification and translation so as to serve as the basis for new extension material. In their paper form, they are spirally bound so that they are easy to use in the field, and can be photocopied flat. The text follows a question and answer format throughout that is particularly clear and concise. The four existing volumes have excellent and extensive bibliographies.

Vol.1 covers methods and approaches for rooting tree cuttings which apply to most of the hundred or more tropical tree species tested. Vegetative propagation techniques are described which allow new trees to be raised at any time and domestication speeded up. The volume also covers genetic selection, stockplant management, taking cuttings, making checklists and keeping records.It has been translated into Spanish, and there is an accompanying video.

Vol.2  covers the process of sexual reproduction in trees, the possibilities for stimulating flower formation and for increasing the setting of fruits, and all the information necessary to choose the best sources for seeds, and to select the best seeds for a particular planting site. Practical instructions are given on how best to germinate the seeds, and how to nurture and care for the young seedlings.

Vol.3  deals with the stage of the tree nursery. It covers the factors which influence the successful establishment of stock including choosing a suitable site for a nursery, selecting appropriate genetic origins of seeds and cuttings, producing young trees with favourable root systems and building a well trained nursery team. Planning, setting up and running a tree nursery are covered in detail, with emphasis on points to look out for and the procedures to follow.

Vol.4 concerned with the key choices that lie between the propagation of good planting stock and its planting and successful establishment. It highlights the need for good communication, and an understanding of how tropical ecosystems function. It also discusses the importance of the type of planting site and decisions on a suitable growing system for young trees.

Vol.5 will be a practical guide concerned  with how and when to plant, protection of saplings and successful establishment of trees. It will also include advice on running field trials and assessing the results.

Vols 1,3,4 are to be published in hardback binding, slightly smaller format, by a UK organisation for the Philippines.

Facsimile and detailed contents of  Volume 4

CONTENTS

D0 lntroduction
  why plant tropical trees?
  natural and artificial regeneration
  agroforestry
  overcoming the problems of replanting trees
  involving everyone with an interest
  the need for field trials

D1 General principles of tree survival
  introduction to ecosystems
  average climate and extreme conditions
  variety of terrain and soils
  litter and nutrient recycling
  interactions with other plants
  effects of animals
  human activities

D2 Types of planting site
  introduction to diverse conditions
  improving farmland
  reclaiming degraded land
  protecting slopes
  enriching logged forest
  restoring savanna
  maintaining mangrove woodland
  community tree planting
  planting in towns, parks and reserves
  field experiments and demonstrations

D3 Which tree species, for what purpose? – household and agricultural uses
  introduction to mixtures
  local or introduced?
  soil-improvers
  foods and medicines
  forage for domesticated animals
  fuel from trees
  timber trees
  raw materials from trees
  various building materials
  household and agricultural uses

D4 Which tree species, for what purpose? multipurpose trees
  shade, shelter and ornamental trees
  cultural and religious significance

D5 Deciding on the growing system
  introduction to favourable environments
  controlled opening of the canopy
  how many storeys?
  mixtures or pure stands?
  choosing the planting pattern
  research layouts

D6 Preparing the ground
  introduction: minimising soil damage
  access to the planting site
  felling and logging
  clearing or burning?
  soil cultivation
  drainage and terracing
  safety measures
  experimental areas

D7 Sources of further information
  ecology and sustainable management
  agroforestry and micro-organisms
  trees for various uses