Our Ecosystems : Forests!

Of course, we need to plant native trees... But we need to understand that there is more to forests than just a massive collection of trees. It is a natural, complex ecosystem, made up of a wide variety of trees, which support a massive range of life forms. Apart from trees, forests also include the soils that support the trees, the water bodies that run through them and even the atmosphere or air around them. Forests of the world are a natural wonder that we, humans, have sadly taken for granted.

Environmental activists consider forests as one of the top 5 natural resources on Earth. This is rightly so, its high time why we should immediately stop its' destruction.

Forests are hugely important for life on Earth. This is because it serves as an ecosystem and sustains life for millions of animals, birds and aquafauna that live in the rivers & streams running through these forests…Biodiversity! Forests serve two important roles viz. Productive role and Protective role. While we all know about the products like Food, Shelter, Clothing, Fuel and Timber that we get from forests along with Non-timber Forest Products; we often take granted their priceless protective services. 

Climate Improvement

Forest increase local precipitation by about 5 to 10% due to their aerographic and microclimatic effect and create conditions favourable for the condensation of clouds. Forests reduce temperature and increase humidity. It also reduces evaporation losses. Forests form an effective sink for the carbon dioxide produced as a result of animal respiration, burning of fossil fuels, volcanoes and other natural & human-induced activities. And if that is not all, a by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen.

Forests play a significant role in maintaining the CO2 balance in the atmosphere and purifying the air.

Trees and soils help regulate atmospheric temperatures through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps to stabilize the climate.

Soil and water conservation

Forests maintain the productivity of the soil through adding a large quantity of organic matter and recycling of nutrients. The leaves are used as manure. Tree crowns reduce the attack of rain and check splash erosion. Forests increase the infiltration and water holding capacity of the soil, resulting in much lower surface runoff. This in turn results in checking of soil erosion.

Forest checks floods too! Forests intercept 15 to 30% of the floods caused due to siltation of river channels & irrigation resources caused due to erosion. Forests and trees reduce wind velocity considerably, which causes considerable reduction in wind erosion; checks shifting of sand dunes and halts the process of desertification. Rapid siltation of various reservoirs in the country is the result of deforestation in the catchment areas of these reservoirs.

Forest protect us from physical, chemical and noise pollution, dust and other particulates and gaseous pollutants cause serious health problems. Forests protect as from these pollutants. Forest and trees provide shelter and wind break effect which is beneficial to agricultural crops, particularly in arid and semiarid areas and increase agricultural production.

Watershed

Forests serve as a watershed…the area of land that contributes water to a stream or river. Almost all water that flows in rivers & lakes ultimately comes from forest-derived water tables.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystems

Forests serve as a habitat to millions of animals. Animals form part of the food chain in the forests. All these different animals and plants are called biodiversity, and the interaction with one another and with their physical environment is what we call an ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters such as floods and wildfires.

Forests and biodiversity are the key to all life forms. The richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change. Uses of genetic diversity within forests enable the development of new medicines; progress in health care and science.

Looking at the importance of forests and trees, You can deduce the massive effects of deforestation and tree-cutting activities… Soil erosion, Disturbed Water Cycle, Loss of Biodiversity, Climate Change etc. But what we can not see or relate to is Loss of livelihoods of the people directly depending on the forests and loss of lives due to effects of deforestation like droughts, floods, human animal conflict, invasive dominance of a particular species.

Close to one billion hectares (2.5 billion acres) globally is estimated to be available for some kind of forest restoration. If only it were that simple.

So how to regrow a forest? : Get out of the way.

According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the best thing we can do to regrow a natural forest is to stop interfering in the forest ecosystem. The nature will take care of the rest.

One needs to understand the types and importance of forests, the problem of deforestation and it's effects, as well as what we can do to minimize the consequences. Sometimes, we are overwhelmed by the extent of damage humans have caused, and we are not sure if an individual can make an impact.

Yes, you can!

There are millions of people just like you, who are learning about the issue and taking little steps to help. Additionally, many governments, organizations, and societies are making great strides in helping reducing deforestation.

But there is still a lot to do. On the 14th anniversary of Gifting Trees, let us discuss a few things you can also do to help...

Make a conscious effort to share information with friends and family members on deforestation and its' effects. Things work better when responsible people don’t give up. Stand up for what you believe in!

Reduce the use of artificial items, recycle more and re-use items. Wood, paper, plastics and many other things we use every day at home can be linked to natural resources being destroyed. This means that if we all recycle more, there will be less dependence on the environment (and forests).

Allowing degraded natural forests to re-grow is a more effective, immediate and low-cost method for removing and storing atmospheric carbon than planting new trees.

These forest ecosystems - the result of ecological and evolutionary processes and their natural patterns of distribution and abundance of plants and wildlife have greater resilience to external shocks. They can adapt to changing conditions and store more stable natural carbon stocks than young, degraded or plantation forests. Nowadays, Miyawaki forests have gained widespread attention as a promising approach to reforestation and biodiversity restoration. However, these newly planted forests(?) can not even match the natural forests, let alone be the substitute for them. Yes, trees must be planted & grown in urban settlements and industrial areas. But PLANTING TREES IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR NATURAL FORESTS..! Remember, "One can plant trees, but can not plant a forest!" 

Growing existing natural forests to maturity optimizes their biological sequestration potential to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As well as maximizing cost-effective and natural carbon sequestration, proforestation also provides other benefits such as clean water supply from filtration by tree roots. But the natural forests must grow naturally and not by introducing artificial plantations in a natural forest. Introducing non-native species and altering forest type or topography could disrupt existing ecosystems and ecological processes, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

Indigenous vs. Introduced Plants : The Ongoing Debate

Few months ago, I stumbled upon an article written by a representative of an ecological restoration firm that has been promoting native plant species for the past decade. The article sparked controversy by suggesting that non-native tree species need not be shunned altogether. Though the statement was not completely wrong, that article raised eye-brows of many nature-lovers as the statement was contradicting the very soul of that organization. 

So how do you decide what kind of tree to plant? Or perhaps, have you wondered, while walking down a city street or strolling through a park, why did we choose to plant a row of non-native Gulmohor or Rain-trees, instead of trees native to our region? This post aims to provide clarity on this topic by exploring the various factors that influence our tree-planting choices. 

At present, there is a debate on whether to plant indigenous trees or introduced/alien trees. Some favor indigenous native trees while others do not seem to bother about the species. But this debate should be considered from an environmental standpoint.

Different plants thrive in different regions of our country according to the nutrients, climate and habitat. These plants and the wildlife that depend on them create a rich ecosystem, and the introduction of an alien plants into this delicate balance is a matter of ongoing debate. Some say that many introduced shrubs, vines & trees that are naturalised in India, are useful. The examples include guava, custard-apple, grapes, sugarcane etc. But it should be noted here that all these plants are grown agriculturally, where their spread is controlled, carefully maintained. Furthermore, not all introduced plants are non-invasive or benign to the ecosystem.

Proponents of introduced trees argue that they provide shade, oxygen, and visual appeal through their colorful flowers. However, the problem arises when a single introduced tree species outcompetes ten native trees, leading to a tenfold reduction in carbon dioxide absorption and shade. Additionally, habitat loss for birds and pollinators can have devastating impacts on the ecosystem. Introduced species are often free from natural predators & pests, which makes them prone to becoming invasive, out-competing native flora for water and soil. This in turn drives away biodiversity and reduces the chances available for native species, leading to biological pollution. Introduced plants are often short-lived and brittle, making them susceptible to uprooting during storms. The leaves of trees like Eucalyptus and Mangium do not decompose easily and do not contribute to the production of organic fertilizer, resulting in soil pollution. 

While introduced trees like Gulmohar, Copperpod, Jacaranda and Spathodea may look beautiful, their ecological value is negligible. Although a few species of birds may perch on these trees, and pollinators like bees may occasionally be seen on their flowers due to a lack of other flowering species, it would be foolish to conclude that introduced species attract birds and pollinators. Many state governments have banned the cultivation of Eucalyptus due to the large amount of water it absorbs from the soil, which can exacerbate water scarcity issues in certain areas. Introduced species like Gliricidia, Mangium (Acacia Mangium), Earleaf Acacia (Acacia Auriculiformis) and Mesquite (Prosopis Juliflora) were brought to India from Australia and Mexico for rapid reforestation, timber, and fuelwood purposes. However, these same plants have now become a serious threat to ecosystems, competing with indigenous flora and fauna and disrupting nutrient cycling and hydrology. This impacts the overall economic stability of local communities and human health. Many of these species have aggressive root systems or produce a large number of viable seeds, both of which allow the plants to quickly invade the soils outside their growing areas. This resulted in almost destruction of the native Babool (Acacia Nilotica, or recently known as Vachellia Nilotica), which is an important tree species if dry regions. 

Trees native to a particular region have evolved to thrive in specific soil types, rainfall patterns, light availability, seed dispersal mechanisms, and other environmental attributes. In their native environment, these trees may provide cover, food, and habitat for birds, amphibians, insects, and mammals. The tree species that have been living in India for centuries and providing benefits not only to humans but also to wildlife and the ecosystem deserve priority. In fact, there are several fast-growing native trees in India that bear beautiful flowers. Native trees are more adaptable to their growing conditions and more resistant to disease than alien species that have only been introduced in recent decades. You can find the list of native trees here.

Several gardening enthusiasts and nature-lovers derive satisfaction from cultivating rare and uncommon plant species, which are not easily found in their vicinity. In fact, the introduction of new plants is a celebrated activity which delights many gardeners, and attracts media attention. These practices have contributed to scarcity of our own important native species in the urban areas across India. Sadly, it is now increasingly challenging to come across trees like Palash, Sita-Ashok or Kaim in the gardens of many cities. 

In conclusion, it is important to understand the impact of the trees we plant in our region. While non-native species may be visually appealing, they can have negative impacts on the local ecosystem. On the other hand, native trees have evolved to thrive in their environment and provide important benefits to both humans and wildlife. By prioritizing the plantation of native trees, we can promote a healthier and more diverse ecosystem while also supporting the local economy and preserving our cultural heritage. Though there is no need to hate the previously planted and grown non-native trees; at least now onwards, the plantation of any alien or foreign plant must be strongly discouraged. 

Today is 13th anniversary of Gifting Trees... Come, let us all take responsibility to protect our environment and choose the right kind of trees to plant for a sustainable future!

This Summer, Care for Trees?!

Just as we all are troubled by record-breaking temperatures every year, can you even imagine the sufferings of the trees and vegetation in our surroundings? Hot & dry summers can have an impact on your trees, especially when they are young and growing.

Based on NOAA's global analysis, the 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 2005, and 7 of the 10 have occurred just since 2014. 2020 was the second-warmest year on record based on NOAA’s temperature data, and land areas were record warm.

Similar to the humans who find themselves lethargic and lifeless during these hottest summers, when water is scarce, the saplings you had planted last year also tend to deteriorate. Or when not taken care of in extreme conditions, die. 

At times like these, human intervention is key to helping your trees grow up healthy. Here are a few suggestions or tips which may help in protecting the saplings and young plants you love...

1. Mulch, a fresh layer!

Applying mulch provides some much-needed help for saplings, especially around the root area. Proper application of mulch is a good way to help young trees take in more water and set down strong root systems. Sufficient mulch of about 2 inches thick will not only retain the moisture, but also discourage the growth of weeds. Just do leave some space between the mulch and the base of the sapling.

2. Protect from direct sunlight

A shade net or any cloth for that matter can prevent your young sapling from harsh sunlight in the soaring heat. Shade cloth does not provide complete shade, but improves the diffusion of light and provides ventilation for the plants.

The cloth must be well-supported by 3-4 strong sticks or bamboo so as to act as a windbreak also. The sticks need to be inserted enough into the soil so that they stand strong against the winds. Then a shade cloth can be tied to these sticks in such a way that the plant receives sufficient sunlight, but harsh rays are blocked. Do make sure the plant growth should not be obstructed by the cloth. 

3. Water the plant!

Water the plants early in the morning or late evening when the temperature is not that high. Focus on the root zone to maximize the amount of water they get each time. Knowing how to water your plants properly should be your priority during the summer.

You may try keeping a perforated plastic bottle underground, which you fill every time. This, over a period of time, allows water to seep deeper into the ground, which encourages deeper root growth. 

4. Care of the soil

Soil is a vital part of the natural environment. It’s always better to check the surrounding soil of your plants. When the soil is extremely compact, it prevents the tree from getting the water and nutrients it needs. When the soil is sandy, it can not hold moisture and nutrients. The soil must be a good mix of these both impregnated with mulch so that earthworms can flourish in it. 

5. Watch out for signs of heat stress

Keep a sharp eye out for heat stress on particularly hot days. Common signs include drooping and wilting of the leaves. In case of heat stress, give your tree sufficient water to help it recover. 

A young plant must be taken care of during its first 3-5 years. Then it's just a piece of cake! We are doing the same and shall continue to do that. Today is the 12th anniversary of Gifting Trees... I think we have just begun!