Soil Seed Bank Characteristics in Congolese Rainforests and Implications for Post-Logging Plots Reforestation

The soil seed bank is considered as an important mechanism for the natural regeneration, resilience and conservation of the forests after disturbances. This study evaluates the characteristics of the soil seed bank in two post-logging plots of Loundoungou-Toukoulaka Forest Management Unit: one plot exploited in 2008 and another exploited in 2021. In each study plot, 40 samples were collected per soil layer (0 - 5 cm, 5 - 10 cm, 10 - 15 cm, 15 - 20 cm and 20 - 25 cm depth). The species diversity and abundance of the soil seed bank were estimated after soil samples were brought to germination. The results demonstrated that 347 seedlings belonging to 37 species in the plot exploited in 2008 and 418 seedlings belonging to 27 species in that exploited in 2021 germinated during 20 weeks of monitoring. The total densities of the seedlings identified were respectively 1446 seedlings/m2 and 1742 seedlings/m2. The plot exploited in 2021 presented a higher proportion of herbaceous species (93.78%) compared to that exploited in 2008 (82.71%). Two pioneer species were recorded in the plot exploited in 2008. These are Macaranga barteri (0.29%) in the 0 - 5 cm layer and Musanga cecropioides (2.31%) up to 20 cm deep. On the other hand, in the plot exploited in 2021, Macaranga spinosa (0.96%) in the 0 - 5 cm layer and M. cecropioides (0.96%) up to 20 cm deep were identified. In the plot exploited in 2008, the 20 - 25 cm layer demonstrated important proportions in woody species (9%), these are in particular Rubiaceae sp.4 and Nauclea diderrichii. While that exploited in 2021, presented 19% of woody species, namely the species of Rubiaceae sp.4, Rubiaceae sp.5 and N. diderrichii, greatly exceeding the proportions obtained in the 15 - 20 cm layer of the two plots. Nonetheless, N. diderrichii was the only commercial species recorded with densities of 108 seedlings/m2 and 4 seedlings/m2, respectively in the plot exploited in 2008 and that exploited in 2021. Commercial tree species are poorly represented in the soil seed bank. Consequently, the study suggests that to improve the natural regeneration of the commercial species, silvicultural interventions based on planting techniques in the exploited plots should be more effective in order to sustainably manage these production forests.

Date of First Thinning in a Very High-Density Eucalyptus Plantation in the Pointe-Noire Region (Republic of Congo)

Management of the Pointe-Noire Forest requires high-performance tools for simulating tree and stand growth and assessing the sustainability of plantations. Modelling the dynamics of even-aged and mono-species stands is a very active research topic. The approaches adopted by researchers vary according to the objectives and species considered: dendrometrical, Eco physiological or architectural. Thanks to the particular nature of these plantations and the trial set-up, it will be possible to explore the various aspects of production, clearly separating the part linked to genetics (three clones tested) from the part linked to the environment (via fertilisation) and the part associated with competition between trees (via planting densities and thinning regimes). This study will make a major contribution to the applicability of the self-thinning line and the RDI (Reineke Density Index) (Reineke, 1933) to fast-growing plantations. This research work will contribute to two points: 1) product diversification, which is a way of coping with international variations in timber markets, and 2) understanding how ecosystems function in exceptionally poor conditions, which will then enable the environmental impacts of the various recommended silvicultural itineraries to be assessed. The results obtained show that competition between trees in a stand of eucalyptus at very high density (10,000 stems/ha) and in two environments of very contrasting fertility is different depending on the clone. The decision on the date of the first thinning with a view to silviculture for timber and energy wood, which aims to ensure sustained and sustainable production of eucalyptus wood in these soils, should be taken between 12 and 14 months. The competition band is strong between 14 and 17 months, when the RDI = 0.8 is double that observed at 12 months.

Relationships between Tree Diameter,Height,and Stocking in Even-Aged Eucalypt Stands in Pointe-Noire(Republic of Congo)

The study highlights the complex dynamics governing the growth of forest stands,particularly in eucalyptus plantations in Congo.Factors such as soil fertility,planting density,clone genetics,and resource competition significantly influence forest productivity.Thinning practices,when well implemented,help to rebalance competition among trees and maximize diameter growth.However,forest growth models,like Vanclay’s model,must be adapted to local conditions to provide more accurate and relevant predictions.Despite the progress made,questions remain about the best way to optimize forest stand management.The use of more sophisticated models that can account for the diversity of ecological conditions and management practices represents a major challenge for researchers and forest managers.

What Is the Impact of Ploughing on Eucalyptus Plantations in Bambou Mingali (Plateaux Batéké, Republic of Congo)?

Soil ploughing is an important stage in the preparation of planting, causing disturbance to the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Soil ploughing can affect the availability of nutrients and water resources, and its effect can be short, medium or long-term. Soil ploughing accelerates surface heating and air circulation and encourages mineralisation by transforming organic matter into mineral salts, making nutrients soluble and accessible to plants. The aim of this study is to determine how soil ploughing affects the distribution of nutrients in the soil profile. The study focuses on nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, which are major elements of soil fertility on the Batéké plateaux in Congo. The results indicate that ploughing significantly modifies the distribution at depth des elements nutritifs: there is more accumulation at the surface than at depth (ei: nitrogen 1.34 t/ha ± 0.035 at 10 cm compared with 1.034 t/ha ± 0.098 at 50 cm) with a higher concentration of carbon (13.89 t/ha ± 0.87) followed by nitrogen (1.34 t/ha ± 0.035).