Detecting fires is a crucial matter in Samboja Lestari.The galvanized steel structure is 35 metres high.The view over the project's area is fantastic. The acacia forest (in the picture on the top right) has grown quite green and dense, now. Yet, in 2001 this area was completely covered with nutrient-dwelling Alang-Alang grass. At some sites, this plant reaches a mans height! http://www.createrainforest.org/image/116594360360 This area was already symbolically "sold" before this website was established. At that time, square metres were sold without fast and easy internet connections.http://www.createrainforest.org/image/115766360360The acacia mangium is an important tree for reforestation. It applies as a pioneer species as it is able to grow on nutrient poor soils. Tropical soils are usually very nutrient poor, approximately 90% of the nutrients are located in the vegetation canopy and just 10% in the soil (in european forests the proportion is 50:50) Is the vegetation logged or burned, the soil can be prepared by acacia mangium for more demanding species. With the help of root nodule bacteria, the tree fixes atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. Furthermore the undemanding acacia looses and aereates the soil and gives shade to the young sensitive trees, the light-loving alang-alang weed gets shaded out. The acacia wood which is taken out to make space for further trees is used for construction and as a natural herbicide http://www.createrainforest.org/image/115738360360 Three years ago, this acacia forest was cultivated. These plants are used as "pioneer plants" since they grow remarkably fast and improve the soil. Later on some acacias are cut down to make space for other types of trees that are planted in the protective shade provided by the acacias. Most seedlings grow better in the shade of the acacias.http://www.createrainforest.org/image/115681360360At a height of more than 35 metres, not everyone might feel incited to ascend the fire tower. One should rather be fearless of heights http://www.createrainforest.org/image/115606360360Willie Smits occasionally enjoys admiring how green Samboja Lestari is becoming from above. http://www.createrainforest.org/image/115510360360http://www.createrainforest.org/image/537771360360