Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521435145 ISBN 13: 9780521435147

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1995

Synopsis

Prolonged seasonal drought affects most of the tropics, including vast areas presently or recently dominated by 'dry forests'. These forests have received scant attention, despite the fact that humans have used and changed them more than rain forests. This volume reviews the available information, often making contrasts with wetter forests. The world's dry forest heterogeneity of structure and function is shown regionally. In the neotropics, biogeographic patterns differ from those of wet forests, as does the spectrum of plant life-forms in terms of structure, physiology, phenology and reproduction. Biomass distribution, nutrient cycling, below-ground dynamics and nitrogen gas emission are also reviewed. Exploitation schemes are surveyed, and examples are given of non-timber product economies. It is hoped that this review will stimulate research leading to more conservative and productive management of dry forests.

About this title

Book Description:

Until recently tropical 'dry forests' were more widespread than rain forests. This volume provides the first review of dry forests, including regional overviews, biogeography, palaeontology, plant ecology and ecosystem functions. Exploitation schemes and non-timber products also are surveyed.

Review:

'... a well produced, useful, and timely book that can only be recommended.' Jon C. Lovett, Journal of New Phytology '... to be warmly welcomed.' Philip Stott, Progress in Physical Geography

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0521435145
• ISBN 13: 9780521435147
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 468
• Editor: Bullock Stephen H., Mooney Harold A., Medina Ernesto