Direct seeding is a cost-effective technique widely used to restore degraded lands globally, though its application in tropical mountains remains understudied. This study evaluates direct seeding outcomes across four degraded sites in the Andean mountains of Cauca, Colombia, using 45 native tree species commonly employed in restoration efforts.
Key Messages
- Cost-Effectiveness: Direct seeding is an attractive option due to its lower costs compared to planting seedlings.
- Variable Performance: Outcomes differed significantly across sites, with seedling densities ranging from 496 to 5550 individuals per hectare.
- Species-Specific Results: Guayaba (Psidium guajava) and Matachande (Bocconia frutescens) showed the highest seedling emergence, while species with larger seeds generally performed better.
- Monitoring is Crucial: Long-term monitoring is essential to address challenges and enhance success in restoring tropical degraded mountains.
- Complementary Approaches: Combining direct seeding with native tree planting can improve restoration outcomes.
- Need for Research: Further studies are needed to fully understand the advantages and limitations of direct seeding in mountain ecosystems.
