forest exploitation and management

Question 1

what are the two types of forest management

Answer 1

1) traditional forest management

2) modern commercial forestry

Question 2

outline traditional forest exploitation

Answer 2

• traditional techniques used wood from a variety of different species, each with a different use
• exploitation involved managing existing woodland to maximise yield of forest products

Question 3

give some examples of uses of different tree species

Answer 3

1) oak= ship building, timber framed buildings
2) beech= furniture and tool handles
3) Ash= roof timbers
4) Hazel= fencing panels

Question 4

list the different traditional forest management methods

Answer 4

1) standard tees- trees grown to maturity for the production of large timbers for uses such as construction
2) coppicing- cutting trees to ground level of a cycle of 1-20 years, branches regrow used for baskets, fencing or roof rafters ect
3) pollarding - trees cut above ground level so regrowing branches cant be eaten by livestock

Question 5

outline how traditional forestry has changed as a result of modern commercial forestry

Answer 5

1) demand for timber changes and the way it is used
2) demand for wood fuel decreases and individuals move onto fossil fuels or electricity

3) species- specific uses for wood replaced by large scale uses such as chipped wood for sheet construction
4) changes in harvesting methods from selective logging or cutting of small areas to large scale clear felling
5) existing natural woodland may be replaced with plantations of selected species

Question 6

list some modern commercial forestry management methods

Answer 6

1) cultivation of non-indigenous species
2) single species plantations
3) close planting
4) simple age structures

Question 7

outline the relationship of cultivation of non-indigenous species

Answer 7

1) may be better adapted to the environmental conditions increasing productivity and yield
2) may be less likely to suffer damage caused by pests or disease

3) growth is less likely to support native species as their interspecies need for food, pollination, seed dispersal or habitats are less likley to be met

Question 8

outline the relationship between forest productivity and biodiversity with single-species plantations

Answer 8

1) growing a monoculture can make management easier as planting, thinning and felling can be carried out at the same time over larger areas
2) decreases the availability of niches so biodiversity is decreased

Question 9

outline the relationship between forest productivity and biodiversity from close planting methods

Answer 9

1) causes species to compete for resources such as light so they grow tall and straight when planted close to one another
2) low light levels on the ground inhibit the growth of other plants that may also compete for water and nutrients
3) loss of these plants and the species that depend on them reduces biodiversity

Question 10

outline simple age structure and its relationship between forest productivity and biodiversity

Answer 10

1) planting trees of the same age increases ease of management as they will all be similar sizes and need similar practices at the same time
2) same age structure reduces abiotic factor variance reducing biodiversity