The Great Guide of

Analog Forestry

A guide for stewards of the land

 The Great Guide of
Analog Forestry
Together we can recuperate our lost forests and restore
biodiversity by creating happy communities in a healthier and
more productive way. This guide is for the producers, farmers,
teachers and all those that love nature and want to care for our
precious planet.

Climax forest

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Agriculture Agroforestry Permaculture Analog Forestry Ecology of a Natu-

ral Forest

Analog Forestry is a system, which seeks to establish

analog ecosystems with architectural structures and
ecological functions similar to the original climax or
sub climax vegetation. It also seeks to strengthen rural
communities, social as much as economically,
through the use of species that provide commercial
products.

Adapted text from: Analog Forestry: Principles and Implementation

Edited and illustrated by: Jenny DeMarco, Falls Brook Centre
Printed in December 2010
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 Mahogany

Vanilla

Cinnamon

Pepper
An Analog Forest

Coco

Fig

Coconut

Papaya

Plantain

Mango

Palm

Coffee

Vanillo

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 Analog Forestry is a grand process...

... It is a tool to take deforested and eroded land...

... Offers the possibility of innovating the farm and communal lands and is an alterna-
tive to monocultures in tropical zones...

... Seeks to conserve natural resources and improves the aesthetics of the land...

... And the production of food and other income earning products.

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 Analog Forestry:
A new life for the forest and the earth!

… is an excellent alterative for the

rehabilitation of forests and for
biodiversity

… is an effective tool to halt

deforestation

... provides habitat for these species

that are being displaced because of
forest destruction

… uses species economically, socially,

economically and culturally compatible
with the environment

…. provides a wide range of crops and

reduces the risk the producers normally
undertake with conventional dependency
on only one product

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 The Analog Forestry
Principles
1) Observe and record: Where am I? In what type of forest? What species
do I see and which species are generally here but I don´t see at this time?

2) Understand and evaluate: What experience can be shared? Inter-

change knowledge between science, tradition and local in terms of forest restoration.

3) Know your land: Examine the features, water systems, soil, large trees, and
animals´ habitats. The aquatic ecosystems are important as well (don´t forget about dif-
ferences between dry and wet seasons).

4) Identify levels of yield capacity: Identify the capacity of the land.

How can each section of the land be used?

5) Maps of the existing and potential systems: Represent on a

map the actual use of the farm and the future use (desired)

6) Reduce the input of external energy: Minimize the use of gaso-

line, fertilizers and agro-chemicals. Substitute them for organic fertilizers, such as compost.

7) Understand the landscape and your neighbours´ ne-

cessities: Minimally alter the land. What one changes can affect one´s neighbour: it
is important to understand our problems and necessities, on the farm and the surround-
ings well.

8) Allow for ecological succession: The forest will mature in phases,

like humans, some plants grow before others, and as the years pass, more plants appear.
The maturity will generate stability within the system.

9) Benefit from ecological processes: Imitate nature, do not work

against it. Weeds show soils fertility, you must see them as organic material and not ene-
mies. Dead leaves allow for soil regeneration.

10) Value biodiversity: Plants and native animals are a fountain of life and
resources, and provide nutrients. They are biological indicators.

11) Respect maturity: The mature forest improves the overall environment.
Allow it to flourish.

12) Respond creatively: Prepare yourself for the unexpected. Always be

conscious of other pathways to gain success.

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 Procedures

1. Native forest formula

2. Existing site´s formula

3. Gap analysis

4. Ecological evaluation

5. Landscape map

6. Site map

7. Database

8. Design with native and productive species

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Physionomic Formula
The Physionomic Formula functions to describe the architecture of a forest
and desired site for the establishment of Analog Forestry or ¨an analogous
forest¨.

A. Growth Forms by Category B. Structure Categories

1. Basic Forms of Growth

1. Height (Stratification)
Symbol
8 = > 35 m
Woody plants
7 = 20 – 35 m
Wide-leaf evergreens V
6 = 10 – 20 m
Wide-leaf deciduous D
5 = 5 – 10 m
Needle evergreens A
4=2–5m
Needle deciduous C
3 = 0.5 – 2 m
Aphyllies (Without leaves) O
2 = 0.1 – 0.5 m
Semi-deciduous (V+D) S
1 = < 0.1m
Mixed M

Non-woody species
Grasses G 2. Coverage
Bush plants (e.g. ferns) H
Lichen and mosses L Continuous (> 75%) c
Interrupted (50 - 75%) i
In patches (25 - 50%) p
Rare (de 6 a 25%) r
Sporadic (1 - 6%) e
Almost absent (< 1%) a

2. Special Forms of Growth

Climbing vines (Lianas) T

Succulents (Cactus) Z
Bunch Plants (Banana) R
Bamboo B
Epiphytes E
Palms P

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 Physionomic Gap
Before designing the Analog Forestry site determine the Physionomic Formula
of the mature forests nearby and the formula of the parcel to intervene and
later calculate the structural gap (or difference) between the two. This way,
the gap dictates the selection of plant species to progressively imitate the
structure and the main ecological functions of the nearby mature forest.
Stages
1. Native Forest Formula
Find a native forest in climax stage (mature) that has the same climatic
conditions as the future Analog Forestry site. The closer the forest is located to
the AF site the better. Using symbols of the formula on the previous page
follow these steps:
1. Identify 4 areas to evaluate for each hectare of forest.
2. Define the number of levels (or strata of vegetation)
3. Determine the type of trees that predominate (evergreen or
deciduous, etc.) and the height of the strata
4. Determine the coverage of each strata
5. Separate each strata with a comma (,) for example: V7c, V5p,

Follow this procedure with other strata of vegetation,

including the lavers of non-woody species such as bushes,
climbing vines, palms, epiphytes, etc., separating them with a semi-colon (;)
Example: V7c,V5p,V3p; T1-6c; P4r; R2c; E3-6p

2. Apply the formula of the existing vegetation on the future AF site using the
formula in the same way as the native forest.
Example of the formula of a degraded forest site: V5p, V3p; T1-3c;

3. Analyze the gap to compare the formula of the site with the formula of
the natural forest to see what is missing in the structure of the Analog Forestry
site. In the given case, there would be strata of woody plants and some
special forms of growth that are missing:
V7c; T4-6; P4r; R2c; E3-6p

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 Ecological Evaluation
Ecological Evaluation is a technique used to evaluate the level of ecological
sustainability of an ecosystem. The steps are:
1) Verify the value of each indicator of the 6 themes
2) Add the value of the indicators and divide it by 6.
3) The result is the average
ecological value of the land Value Insect and animal components
1 to 2 Very little visible presence
3 to 5 Little visible presence of animal, bird,
Value Soil Profile reptile, mammal, insect species
1 to 2 Subsoil almost exposed 6 to 8 Abundant visible presence
3 to 5 Thin top soil
Value Decomposition of Vegetation
6 to 8 Thicker top soil Residues
Value Apparent density 1 to 2 Presence of organic residues that do not
decompose or do so very slowly
1 to 2 Very compact
3 to 5 Residues in the process of decomposition are
3 to 5 Compacted observed

6 to 8 Not compacted 6 to 8 Residues in various states of decomposition,

old residues well-decomposed
Value Worms
1 to 2 Signs of biological activity, worms Value Productivity
are present 1 to 2 No production system exists
3 to 5 30 warms observed, Arthropods in
small quantities. 3 to 5 A production system for subsistence use
or for only market exists
6 to 8 A lot of abundant biological
activity. More than 200 worms and 6 to 8 A production system for subsistence use
arthropods and for market use exist
Value Vegetable Component Value Productivity (values of conservation)
1 to 2 Very Little variability among tree
1 to 2 Ecological functions are weak and no system
and non-tree species (one to three for scientific study, carbon sequestration or
species present maximum) tourism exists
3 to 5 Little variability among species 3 to 5 Some ecological functions exist (quality of
(more tan 5 tree species present water, soil, habitat and meliferas, etc.
and few species in the understory) conservation) or systems in development for
scientific study, carbon sequestration and
6 to 8 High variability among tree and non tourism
-tree species (more than 10 tree
species and presence of epiphytes, 6 to 8
Strong and stable ecological functions exist
for scientific study, carbon sequestration or
soft-leaf shade plants and large tourism
plants in the understory)

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 Ecological Evaluation
Fill this table with the data from the Analog Forestry site. Complete the
table for each part of the site that is ecologically different.

TABLE FOR ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION ANALYSIS DATA RECORDS:

Name: ------------------------------------------ Data: -------------------------------
Farm: --------------------------------------------------- No. of site parcel: ----------------------------
Location: ---------------------------------------------- Province: ----------------------------
Altitude: -------------------------- Geographic Coordinates: X: -----------------------
Annual average precipitation: --------------- mm Y: ----------------------
Annual average temperature: --------------- º C

Evaluation of the
SOIL QUALITY Sustainability of the
Analog System studied

1. SOIL QUALITY INDICATORS AVERAGE QUALITY OF SOIL

a. Soil Profile
b. Apparent Density
c. Worms
d. Decomposition of
Vegetation Residues
Total
2. BIODIVERSITY INDICATORS AVERAGE BIODIVERSITY
d. VEGETABAL COMPONENT
Presence of tree and non-
tree species
Total
e. INSECT AND ANIMAL
COMPONENT
Presence of birds
Presence of mammals
Presence of amphibians
Presence of insect
Total

TOTAL BIODIVERSITY
3. INDICATOR OF STRUCTURE AVERAGE STRUCTURE

Indicator Value

Total

4. INDICATOR OF BIODIVERSITY AVERAGE PRODUCTIVITY

Valor
Productivity (value
conservation)
Total
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 Ecological Evaluation
Ecological evaluation can serve to compare different land sites, determine
which areas need more attention and monitor the evolution of the land after
some years.

Productivity 8 Soil profile

7
6
5
Structure Apparent density
4
3
2
1
Insects
2 Worms

3
4
5 Tree species
Amphibians
6
Mammals 7 Birds

8
With the ecological evaluation exercise results from page 10, it is necessary to
analyze the information.
1) Draw 8 concentric circles, shown in the graphic
2) Note the values of each element in the corresponding circle
3) Draw a line between each value
4) The goal is have an ecological value as close to 8 as possible
5) The elements that have lower values, or the furthest from the external
circle, they are the priority aspects to treat

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 Database

A database is used to obtain information relevant on species that

can be planted on the future Analog Forestry site. This database will
help the design of the land, by choosing the appropriate species.

Scientific Name Common Name Form of Growth Uses Ecological Functions

Acacia mangium Acacia Fast, pioneer, 1st Wood, car- Nitrogen fixation, cov-
and 3rd strata. pentry, cabi- erage
Woody and leafy net-making,
tree construction

Albizzia lebbek Silk Tree 1st strata Forage Soil formation

Mangifera indica Mango 3rd strata Edible fruit Shade, food, soil pro-
tection

Some of the parameters that Know what?

can be found in the data-
base: Your neighbours, such as other
producers and the elderly that
Scientific name have worked on the land for many
Common name years, are a source for important
Form of growth information about native plants
Roots of characteristics from the area and for human uses.
Seeds and flowers
Ecological functions Ask them and share knowledge!
Soil requirements
Products
Markets
Propagation
Procedures for propagation

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 Map
The map is an exercise that consists of drawing the main existing
elements on the site to be intervened and the intervened
landscape. The map allows an integral vision of the management of
the land and serves as a guide during the design stage.

1 Wind currents

Movement of the sun

Waterways on the land

Landscape curves

On a sheet of paper draw the following:

Movement of the sun,
Wind currents,
Landscape curves,
Waterways on the land

NB: It is important to map the activities of the neighbours farms,

infrastructure, paths and other relevant aspects of the landscape.

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 Map
2
On a sheet of paper
draw the existing
elements on the farm:
Buildings
Pathway
Vegetation
Pasture
land Fallow land patrones

Crops Road

Coffee crops

Buildings

3
Analog Forestry Design:

Include a detailed list

of all the species that
are going to be
planted and their
location. Use the
Physionomic Gap as a
guide.

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 Design
The sight design is very important because it serves as a tool that
permits to see a short, medium and long term and helps in the
planning from the planting to the maturity stage.

1) Using the gap analysis between the native forest formula and the
Analog Forestry site´s formula, the absent structural aspects can be
noted.

Existing parcel formula:

V6r, V4r, V3e; G2i; P1-6e
Gap analysis (what is missing):
V7h, V5i, V2i; H1-2r; L1-5e; T1-5i; R3e; E1-2e

2) With the database, you can choose productive species that are
analogous in structure and function to the climax site. For each
species that can be planted, you can ask: what?, why? And where?

3) The species that will be chosen for the application or treatment

must respond to the priorities or objectives of the land owner or the
farmer. For example: self-sustainability of the agriculturalist,
conservation, soil improvement, water resources, ecotourism,
production and biodiversity restoration. The existing gap must be
filled progressively with species that respond to these objectives and
the conditions of the site.

4) Planning the treatment, such as: production species to plant,

location, planting time, maintenance, fertilization and other aspects,
you must take into account that not all is planted in the first year
(the design is a chronology of short, medium and long term)
Example:
Native forest formula:
V7h, V6i, V5i, V4h, V3i, V2i; H1-2r; L1-5e; T1-6i; R3e; E1-2e

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 Design
In this figure you can see
the species to be
planted on the Analog
Forestry site.

You must chose plants in

function to the
Physionomic Gap, the
objectives of the land
owner and the
conditions of the land.
For example, in
accordance with the
wind currents you can
choose species that
create natural wind
breakers.

V7h–V7c: Pumpwood , Beechwood, Teak , Uvilla , Sable

V6i–V6h: Oak, Honduran Mahogany, Jaca-tree, Cabirma santa, Jagua

V5 : Ramostan, Abiu , Black Sapote, Spondios mangifera, Beronne

V4h–V4r: Cherry, Orange, Lime, Coffee, Mandarin, Cinnamon

V3i–V3e: Sap producing trees to increase pollination and biodiversity

Ti – Tr: Vanilla, Yellow yam, Cinnamon, Passionfruit

H: Bush plants in accordance with the Physionomic Formula (can be

analogous with the nature forest)
R: Plantain, Wild banana, Heliconas.

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 Chronogram of Activities
Allows us to organize and plan our work on the farm.

January
Legend
Land prepara-
February tion:

March
Compost prepa-
ration:
April

May Seed collection:

June
Germination bed
preparation:
July

August
Transplant:

September

Maintenance:
October

November
Harvest:

December

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 Seed Collection
The seed is the origin of all forests.

The selection of tree seeds is very important.

In order to propagate high quality plants, you must

collect seeds from the best trees.

Source: Machete Verde: David Gagnon

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 Viveros
The greenhouse is a place where the germination and the
development of various species of plants, in their first stage
of growth.

Parts of a nursery

Compost
Roof

Water reserve

Lombriculture

Plants in containers

You must include non-tree species in the nursery as well!

(epiphytes, heliconias, cultivates y medicinal plants)

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 Analog Forestry Elements

“Nourish the soil

Soil first and then you
will nourish the
plant.”

Vegetation that we see in the soil has its own origin. The soil is as
important as the forest itself.

Animals and biodiversity change according to the type of soil and

in accordance to the person managing it.

The role of the soil´s biodiversity, includes the provision of nutrients,

the aeration of the soil and water retention.
To improve the quality of the soil, we
can use organic material or
compost. The organic material helps
to improve the structure of the soil
and enriches it. Furthermore it allows
absorption of more water and
nutrients.
Ingredients:
Fertile soil
Manure
Organic material (preferably
legumes and medicinal)
Ashes
Sand

Maintain the humid compost but not

in excess. Remove the mix
periodically to obtain material in a
time frame as close to 3 months as
possible.

Source: Machete Verde: Daniel Gagnon 21

 Erosion
Conserve in order to produce!

Erosion is the loss of the upper layer of the soil or the organic
material. A priority is to increase the level of auto-construction of the
soil, in order to avoid erosion.

Source: Machete Verde, Daniel Gagnon

Know what …..?

A hillside without trees is like a house without
a roof. The roof protects the house just like
the trees protect the hillside.

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Biological Corridors

Know what...?
90-95% of the biodiversity of the forests is
composed of non-tree species.

One potential benefit of the Analog Forestry is the creation of

biological corridors to connect patches of forest. This permits the
liberal dissemination of seeds and the physical displacement of
animals among distinct ecosystems.

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 Carbon Sequestration
The forests are a vital component of the planet´s carbon of the
planet.

Atmosphere

CO2

Nights

Biomass

Organic Material
Carbon

Petroleum Fossil Fuels

Trees are the lungs of the earth. They breath in carbon from the air
and produce oxygen. In this way, trees extract carbon from the
atmosphere and reduce the process of Global Climate Change.

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 Ecological Succession
Ecological succession is the process that vegetation goes through
progressively until it creates a stable ecosystem.

The process in order to arrive at the climax forests can take

hundreds or thousands of years in a natural way. Following the
serial stages, the process can be accelerated to reach an
analogous forest in a shorter period of time.

Climax state
Third stage of
succession.

Second stage
of succession.

First stage of
the ecological
succession.

Increase in the soil´s stability,the

soil´s biodiversity and its top soil
depth.

1 - 5 years 100 - 1000 years 1000 - 15000 years

In each stage of ecological succession, the soil increases in its

vegetation complexity and the humus´ capacity to sequester
carbon.

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 Community Participation

When all the community participates it is possible to have a

common vision of the future and develop plans in the long-term.

It is important that all members of the community (women, elderly,

youth) are invited to participate in the project.

Furthermore, the community can share the resources between

each other, such as tools, seeds, knowledge, work, etc.

With community nurseries, you can ensure the production of

necessary species for the purpose of restoration.

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Notes

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 The International Analog
Forestry Network
The International Analog Forestry
Network was created in 1996,
supporting various Analog Forestry
projects in all parts of the world.
Now, the Network undertakes
projects in 18 countries worldwide,
working together to create a
healthier planet for all forms of life
and demonstrate that another form
of development is possible.

www.analogforestrynetwork.org

www.bosques www.endadom.org.do www.catie.ac.cr

www.fallsbrookcentre.ca
modelo.net

The Great Guide of Analog Forestry is a publication from:

Falls Brook Centre, Canadá

125 S Knowlesville Road, Knowlesville, NB, E7L 1B1
Tel.: 506.375.8143 Email : [email protected]
Website: www.fallsbrookcentre.ca

Produced with the support of:

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

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