@article{fdi:010057204,
  title = {{V}egetation dynamics in a corridor between protected areas after slash-and-burn cultivation in south-eastern {M}adagascar},
  author = {{D}e {W}ilde, {M}. and {B}uisson, {E}. and {R}atovoson, {F}. and {R}andrianaivo, {R}. and {C}arri{\`e}re, {S}t{\'e}phanie {M}. and {L}owry {I}i, {P}.{P}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{S}lash-and-burn cultivation is a major cause of deforestation in {M}adagascar, and abandonment leads to the secondary vegetation dynamics, i.e. colonization by herbaceous vegetation, shrubs and trees. {T}he study was conducted in south-eastern {M}adagascar in a steep transition zone along an altitudinal and a sharp precipitation gradient between a high altitude rainforest and a lowland dry tropical forest. {T}he restoration of gaps created by abandoned fields in this narrow, winding corridor could be essential to maintain connectivity between two areas (areas 1 and 2) of {A}ndohahela {N}ational {P}ark. {P}rior to implementing restoration, baseline ecological information is needed on the reference ecosystem and vegetation resilience must be studied to identify restoration needs. {T}his study aims to (1) assess whether cultivation practices (irrigated rice vs. cassava, maize and sweet potato) influence vegetation dynamics after abandonment; (2) study vegetation dynamics and soils over time since abandonment, and (3) compare secondary forest vegetation and soils with those of mature forest patches. {S}urveys of vegetation and soil were conducted in 26 secondary forest patches abandoned from 3 to >25 years (synchronic approach) and in 19 adjacent mature forest patches (controls). {N}o relationship between age of abandonment and vegetation species richness, composition or structure was found, but clear differences were detected between secondary and mature forest patches. {S}econdary forests are not colonized by species from mature forests, but instead their vegetation dynamics appear to lead to the establishment of thorny thickets dominated by {M}imosa delicatula, which is absent from the mature forest.},
  keywords = {{S}lash-and-burn cultivation ; {R}esilience ; {G}lobal change ; {T}ransition forest ; {M}adagascar ; {E}cological restoration project ; {MADAGASCAR}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{A}griculture {E}cosystems and {E}nvironment},
  volume = {159},
  numero = {},
  pages = {1--8},
  ISSN = {0167-8809},
  year = {2012},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.agee.2012.06.016},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010057204},
}