THAI FOREST ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH JOURNAL
The Study of Some Ecological Characteristics in Forest Restoration Types in Degraded Conservation Forest Areas at Sri Nan National Park, Nan Province
Background and Objectives: Forest restoration in conservation areas is the key success of nature-based solution on environmental crisis and illegal land use changes. The study aimed to clarify the forest restoration types, suitable species and practices, for ecosystem recovery and livelihood benefits.
Methodology: The degraded areas for forest restoration experiment at Sri Nan National Park were selected. Tree seedling of 27 species were selected and planted into 6 forest restoration types, Type-1) natural restoration, Type-2) fast-growing species planting, Type-3) mixed planting with fast-and slow growing species, Type-4) framework species planting by climax species, Type-5) mixed species planting, and Type-6) under Royal initiative reforestation by 3 forests and 4 benefits. Tree and seedling monitoring was done every year during 2019-2023.
Main Results: All tree seedling of 27 planted species had the average height and diameter at the root collar were 91.0 cm. yr-1. and 20.6 mm. yr-1, respectively. Intermediate of seedlings survival rate was found, 42.3%.yr-1. All measured indicators had significantly different among forest restoration types. We found that Type-4 had the highest survival rate (51.4% yr-1), and followed by Type-5, Type-6, Type-2, and Type-3, respectively. While, the growth rate of diameter at root collar had highest in Type-4, 28.6 mm. yr-1, followed by Type-5, Type-3, Type-2, and Type-6, respectively. In addition, the highest of height growth rate was found in Type-3, 104.7 cm.yr-1, followed by Type-4, Type-6, Type-5, Type-2, respectively. Most indicators under Type-4 (framework species planting) had high values, indicating high sufficiency on forest recovery is detected.
Conclusion: The framework species planting type is high efficiency on forest restoration, leading high biodiversity recovery and future use for villagers, and it is mostly accepted for community.
Keywords: Forest restoration, Sri Nan National Parks, Article 64 of National Park Act