Overview of knowledge on main factors affecting the growth and survival rate of timber tree species planted under the forest canopy

Abstract

Underplanting (also known as “forest enrichment planting”) is one of the silvicultural solutions to enhance the value of forests, as well as improve the structure and biodiversity of forests. This study uses the method of synthesizing the research results of different authors over the world relating to underplanting to evaluate the main factors affecting the growth and survival rate of underplanted timber tree species. The results show that the survival and growth rate of underplanted timber tree species depends on many factors including, light intensity, competition from surrounding vegetation, and the application of appropriately silvicultural techniques (selection of tree species, planting method, planting density, fertilization, thinning, etc.). The information in the paper can provide managers, policymakers, and forestry scientists with a comprehensive picture of the factors that determine the success or failure of underplanting, thereby serving as a basis for developing silvicultural technical guidelines to restore degraded forest ecosystems.