Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (EAPD)

Project Code: 145-502-005	Start Date: Oct. 1, 1992	End Date: Mar. 31, 1994
Commitment: £53000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Objectives:
The project studies the causes of forest site quality degradation in order to put forward measures for the improvement and sustained level of site quality for fast growing plantations. The wider objectives of the project are: to increase the productivity of plantations in China to improve the sustainability of selected plantation forests in China to determine forest management practices that lead to site degradation. The immediate project objectives are: To improve nutrient status of forest soils To increase tree growth rates (yield class) To develop a scientifically valid soil testing programme to assess the degree of soil erosion and its effect on site quality to quantify impact of management practices on site characteristics To assess economics of remedial work on current sites and of renovation of future sites To classify land to show soils most at risk to develop Chinese expertise in forest soil management and, To disseminate findings to relevant Chinese bodies. NRI are involved in the mission (Project T0408, 1 October -21 November 1992) which will consist of two specialists in the fields of forest growth decline and site quality degradation. Its primary objective will be to evaluate, in collaboration with the relevant Chinese organisations, the precise nature of the problem of site degradation and the measures which may be taken to prevent and reverse its effect on tree growth rates . Emphasis will be placed on areas where Britain is best able, through its expertise and experience, to provide technical assistance. Terms of Reference for the mission are: To quantify local knowledge, including examination of available mensurational data, about the nature and degree of forest site quality degradation in South and South East China and to estimate the geographical extent of the problem and the probable severity of its effect on forest productivity. To consider the possible causes of site degradation. To identify and evaluate improvements in management which will, in future, best (i) avoid site degradation, and (ii) improve the productivity of plantations. To identify current research programmes both in China and abroad, and current activity of external co-operating agencies, which contribute to solving the problem. To determine in consultation with the Chinese authorities, which local Institutes will best utilise and disseminate any technical assistance from Britain which may result from the mission. To assess the soils analysis facilities at the Institutes, with particular reference to the availability of trained staff and equipment. To provide advice on forest site degradation at the request of the Chinese authorities during the mission and, if appropriate, to formulate recommendations for specific forms of assistance taking into account current research and donor activity. Forms of assistance may include specialist training in Britain and China access to research done and systems developed in Britain and, if needed, the supply of examples of equipment.

Intended Outputs:
Soils tested innatural and plantation forests Erosion levels assessed TrainedChinese staff Maps of soil degradation Disseminated reports anddata.