Nature | 2019
Forests: when natural regeneration is unrealistic
Abstract
Monoculture or mixed-species tree plantations could be better alternatives in highly degraded areas that are distant from native seed sources. Financial compensation for landowners who conserve carbon, water or biodiversity in regenerating forests might not match incomes from agriculture or commercial forestry. And the global demand for wood fuel and fibre means that these are increasingly sourced from tree plantations.