ABSTRACT
The equatorial regions are where forest soils are among the poorest in nutrients. There is evidence suggesting that the great mass of undecayed photosynthesized material in several levels of canopy is partly responsible. But the major reason for depletion of such forest reserves is the ready removal of the already decomposed organic matter lying in the surface zone immediately after its exposure to intense rains following deforestation. As the deforestation on the forest’s periphery exposes the bare ground to increased solar radiation without relatively rapid natural vegetation recoverage as would have been the case had the clearing occurred in the forest interior, water table levels drop to levels lower than those of the adjacent forested zone. By reducing seed dispersal from the forest and promoting desiccation by increased wind speeds, an open system of deforestation with a prevailing wind blowing from the non-forested direction, may significantly restrict the rate of secondary vegetation.
