The economics of containerized forest tree seedling research in the United States

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 1007-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Westgate

There is extensive evidence that research has a significant effect on increases in productivity, which in turn has a positive effect on economic growth and development. This study examines the economic impacts of research that led to a forestry innovation, containerized forest tree seedlings. Economic benefits resulting from the development of this method of reforestation are attributable to numerous sources, although only benefits measurable in terms of savings to consumers are considered in this analysis to ensure a conservative estimate of benefits. An economic surplus model is utilized to estimate research benefits. Public and private research expenditures are estimated using screened publication counts and by contacting firms who have undertaken or who are conducting containerized seedling research. Average internal rates of return from investment in containerized seedling research range from 37 to 111%, depending on assumptions concerning the percentage price differential between containerized and bare-root seedlings, and research cost estimates. A sensitivity analysis shows that the rate of return is insensitive to estimates of future production. Results from research evaluations such as this can supply background information for decision making, provide support for decisions already made (or provide impetus for changing decisions), and give verification or refutation of ideas.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varun Varma ◽  
Mahesh Sankaran

AbstractNutrient deposition can modify plant growth rates and potentially alter the susceptibility of plants to disturbance events, while also influencing properties of disturbance regimes. In mixed tree-grass ecosystems, such as savannas and tropical dry forests, tree seedling growth rates strongly influence the ability of seedlings to survive fire (i.e. post-fire seedling survival), and hence, vegetation structure and tree community composition. However the effects of nutrient deposition on the susceptibility of recruiting trees to fire are poorly quantified. In a field experiment, seedlings of multiple N-fixing and non-N-fixing tropical dry forest tree species were exposed to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisation, and fire. We quantified nutrient-mediated changes in a) mean seedling growth rates; b) growth rates of the fastest growing individuals and c) post-fire seedling survival. N-fixers had substantially higher baseline post-fire seedling survival, that was unaffected by nutrient addition. Fertilisation, especially with N, increased post-fire survival probabilities in non-N-fixers by increasing the growth rates of the fastest growing individuals. These results suggest that fertilisation can lead to an increase in the relative abundance of non-N-fixers in the resprout community, and thereby, alter the community composition of tropical savanna and dry forest tree communities in the long-term.


New Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Robakowski ◽  
Tomasz Pietrzak ◽  
Wojciech Kowalkowski ◽  
Grzegorz Małecki

AbstractForest tree seedling production technologies impact reforestation success determined with survival and quality of seedlings. Five Abies alba seedling production technologies were tested: (1) bare-root seedling, three years in the open (3/0); (2) bare-root seedling, two years under a shading net (40% of full light), a year in the open (2/g); (3) ball root seedling, two years under a shading net (40%), a year in the open (2/K); (4) bare-root seedling grown in an opening in a Norway spruce stand (3/Pic); (5) bare-root seedling, three years under Scots pine canopy (3/Pin). Silver fir seedlings acclimatized their growth rates to the common growing environment in relation to the seedling production technology used in the nurseries. The height and diameter at root collar were positively correlated with survival. The 3/Pic seedlings manifested the lowest survival and were lower than other seedlings in terms of height and photochemical efficiency. The needle photochemistry of seedlings growing two years in plantation was determined by their earlier acclimation to the nursery light conditions. The production technology determined the ability of A. alba seedlings to acclimatize to the natural environment. Ball root seedlings grown two years in shade and a year in the open (2/K) acclimatized better to the full light environment compared with bare-root seedlings produced in canopy shade, and they are likely more suitable to be planted after clearcutting.


2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avril L. de la Crétaz ◽  
Matthew J. Kelty

Abstract Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a native species that can invade and dominate the forest understory, after thinning and intensive deer browsing. Fern colonies form a dense cover 60 to 80 cm high that intercepts light and inhibits tree seedling regeneration. Hay-scented fern can be controlled with herbicides, but some landowners (both public and private) seek alternative methods. We investigated mowing as a possible method of fern control. We tested different mowing schedules and measured the response of ferns (frond length and density) and of natural regeneration and planted seedlings. Mowing the ferns twice in one growing season (first in June when the fern fronds had reached their full height and again in August) led to a significant reduction in frond length during the next two growing seasons compared to untreated controls. Mowing four times over 2 years reduced both length and density of ferns. Mean density of naturally established tree seedlings was four times greater on these treatment plots compared to controls, but with great variability among plots. Red oak (Quercus rubra) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) seedlings planted the year after mowing showed greater survival and height growth compared to controls.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Robakowski ◽  
Tomasz Pietrzak ◽  
Wojciech Kowalkowski ◽  
Grzegorz Małecki

Abstract Forest tree seedling production technologies impact reforestation success determined with survival and quality of seedlings. Five Abies alba seedling production technologies were tested: (1) bare-root seedling, three years in the open (3/0); (2) bare-root seedling, two years under a shading net (40 % of full light), a year in the open (2/g); (3) ball root seedling, two years under a shading net (40 %), a year in the open (2/K); (4) bare-root seedling grown in an opening in a Norway spruce stand (3/Pic); (5) bare-root seedling, three years under Scots pine canopy (3/Pin). Silver fir seedlings acclimatized their growth rates to the common growing environment in relation to the seedling production technology used in the nurseries. The height and diameter at root collar were positively correlated with survival. The 3/Pic seedlings manifested the lowest survival and were lower than other seedlings in terms of height and photochemical efficiency. The needle photochemistry of seedlings growing two years in plantation was determined by their earlier acclimation to the nursery light conditions. The production technology determined the ability of A. alba seedlings to acclimatize to the natural environment. Ball root seedlings grown two years in shade and a year in the open (2/K) acclimatized better to the full light environment compared with bare-root seedlings produced in canopy shade, and they are likely more suitable to be planted after clearcutting.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dil Bahadur Rahut ◽  
Jeetendra Prakash Aryal ◽  
Girma Gesimu ◽  
Harriet Mawia ◽  
Late Franklin Simtowe

Abstract Drought-tolerant maize varieties (DTMVs) offer hope as an adaptation strategy for farmers facing increasing frequency of droughts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, these varieties are not yet widely cultivated, and the potential economic benefits not fully understood. Using predicted potential levels of scalability of DTMVs, we assess the potential economic impacts of investing in drought-tolerant maize varieties in Tanzania. The study uses household production and consumption data from major regions in Tanzania. The results from the economic surplus model indicate that by 2032, the adoption of DTMVs could generate between US$ 373 million and US$ 499 million in cumulative benefits for both producers and consumers. Such benefits could potentially lift up to 1.6 million people out of poverty by 2032. It is estimated that consumers would get 40% of the benefits and producers 60%, with the largest benefits occurring in the major maize-producing regions of Mbeya, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Mwanza, Arusha, and Kagera. Consumers in Dar es Salaam would also benefit significantly from the price reductions resulting from increased production. The largest returns on investment would occur in Dodoma, Geita, Simiyu, Singida, and Kagera. These findings justify the investment of both public and private funds to support the scaling of DTMVs in Tanzania.


2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-122
Author(s):  
Naoki Negishi ◽  
Katsuhiko Nakahama ◽  
Nobuyuki Urata ◽  
Toshiaki Tanabe

1982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard W. Guldin ◽  
James P. Barnett ◽  
[Editors]
Keyword(s):  

Author(s):  
Sasha Harris-Lovett ◽  
Kara L. Nelson ◽  
Paloma Beamer ◽  
Heather N. Bischel ◽  
Aaron Bivins ◽  
...  

Wastewater surveillance for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging approach to help identify the risk of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. This tool can contribute to public health surveillance at both community (wastewater treatment system) and institutional (e.g., colleges, prisons, and nursing homes) scales. This paper explores the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from initial wastewater surveillance efforts at colleges and university systems to inform future research, development and implementation. We present the experiences of 25 college and university systems in the United States that monitored campus wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 during the fall 2020 academic period. We describe the broad range of approaches, findings, resources, and impacts from these initial efforts. These institutions range in size, social and political geographies, and include both public and private institutions. Our analysis suggests that wastewater monitoring at colleges requires consideration of local information needs, sewage infrastructure, resources for sampling and analysis, college and community dynamics, approaches to interpretation and communication of results, and follow-up actions. Most colleges reported that a learning process of experimentation, evaluation, and adaptation was key to progress. This process requires ongoing collaboration among diverse stakeholders including decision-makers, researchers, faculty, facilities staff, students, and community members.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomohiro Fujita

AbstractThis study examined the mechanisms of facilitation and importance of seed dispersal during establishment of forest tree species in an Afrotropical woodland. Seedling survival of Syzygium guineense ssp. afromontanum was monitored for 2.5 years at four different microsites in savannah woodland in Malawi (southeastern Africa) under Ficus natalensis (a potential nurse plant), Brachystegia floribunda (a woodland tree), Uapaca kirkiana (a woodland tree), and at a treeless site. The number of naturally established forest tree seedlings in the woodland was also counted. Additionally, S. guineense ssp. afromontanum seed deposition was monitored at the four microsites. Insect damage (9% of the total cause of mortality) and trampling by ungulates (1%) had limited impact on seedling survival in this area. Fire (43%) was found to be the most important cause of seedling mortality and fire induced mortality was especially high under U. kirkiana (74%) and at treeless site (51%). The rate was comparatively low under F. natalensis (4%) and B. floribunda (23%), where fire is thought to be inhibited due to the lack of light-demanding C4 grasses. Consequently, seedling survival under F. natalensis and B. floribunda was higher compared with the other two microsites. The seedling survival rate was similar under F. natalensis (57%) and B. floribunda (59%). However, only a few S. guineense ssp. afromontanum seedlings naturally established under B. floribunda (25/285) whereas many seedlings established under F. natalensis (146/285). These findings indicate that the facilitative mechanism of fire suppression is not the only factor affecting establishment. The seed deposition investigation revealed that most of the seeds (85%) were deposited under F. natalensis. As such, these findings suggest that in addition to fire suppression, dispersal limitations also play a role in forest-savannah dynamics in this region, especially at the community level.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000276422110134
Author(s):  
Kerry Ard ◽  
Kevin Smiley

Scholars interested in understanding the unequal exposure to environmental harms by race and class have often relied on urban sociological theory. Specifically, the argument that the outmigration of middle-class Whites and African Americans from America’s industrial areas, as well as the decline in manufacturing employment in these communities, concentrated minority poverty around industrial sites. These nested, community-level, processes have not yet been measured as such in the environmental inequality literature. This article addresses this limitation by using spatial measures of poverty segregation between and within racial groups. Multilevel models are presented that examine how the density of industrial facilities is related to the economic health of a host-tract, the broader economic context of the county, and the level of poverty segregation (both within and between racial/ethnic groups). Results demonstrate that there is a spatial separation of the economic benefits and environmental harms across the United States, a pattern that has remained consistent over time.


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