Most tropical hardwood plantations, by contrast, adopt monocultures with a preference for fast growing exotic species. In Central America, for example, it is rare to find plantations not wholly consisting of teak and, to a lesser extent, gmelina. While Foresta does not oppose the responsible use of these species, it is concerned with the trend toward cloning and other monocultures due to loss of genetic diversity. Additionally, some experts have questioned the sustainability of teak monoculture due to the tree’s suppression of undergrowth which can exacerbate erosion.¹ Keh more vigorously criticizes teak monoculture: “Past experience and the results of modern teak research findings on teak plantation establishment are fraught with problems and conflicts pertaining to soil, nutrient loss, site degradation, growth and yield decline, and insects and disease attack when it is established in unsuitable locality and an unfriendly environment … Thus it becomes questionable whether a teak plantation can be established sustainably without its accompanying detrimental effects on soil and the environment except in the most suitable site…”² Although there may not be total agreement, Foresta believes that a species balance that more closely resembles a natural forest is always preferable, including the use of nitrogen-fixing species to enrich the forest soil and humus.

[1] Centeno, JC. The Management of Teak Plantations. FAO.

[2] Keh, Saw Kelvin. "Whither goest Myanmar Teak Plantation Establishment?" FAO. p. 42.