Shifting cultivation and logging are serious problems in tropical countries like Laos which contribute to a large extent in the increase of deforestation. In this study, stand structure, species composition and diversity, soil chemical properties and microclimate were determined to compare the natural regeneration patterns of primary and secondary forests (logged-over and fallow) of mixed deciduous forests after logging and shifting cultivation in Laos. All woody species with stem diameter of ≥ 5 cm were identified and counted. Diameter at breast height (DBH) (1.3 m) was measured in all plots. The distance time to recovery was also compared among the sites. The family and species composition were increase from 25 species and 15 families, 31 species and 21 families, 44 species and 24 families, 45 species and 25 families after slash and burn for 1-year, 5- year, 10-year, 15-years fallow periods. While, species composition was increased 82 species and 30 families in logged-over secondary forest if compared to 77 species and 35 families found in primary forest. Three pioneer species were higher importance value such as Schima wallichii in primary forest, Cratoxylum cochinchinensis in 15, 10 and 5-year-old fallow and Aporosa microcalyx in 1-year-old fallow. The basics data obtained in this study will be very useful in managing secondary forests in the future.

Keyword:fallow, logged-over, microclimate, mixed deciduous forest, natural regeneration, recovery, shifting cultivation, soil chemical properties, species composition, stand structure

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