forest management Flashcards
define forest management
sustainable replanting and regeneration of forests
how can forest management help sustain replanting and regeneration of forests?
possible to remove timber without destroying the forest ecosystem
especially if only a small number of trees are removed each year
leaving the habitat intact
coppicing - forest management
tree trunk is cut but a ‘stool’ a few cm high is left
new shoots emerge from the stool and grow into ‘poles’
the poles can be cut on rotation to produce timber of different widths
coppiced plants can regenerate over long periods of time
selective cutting - forest management
particularly useful on steep slopes and near rivers
on steep slopes the total removal of trees would leave the soil vulnerable to soil erosion
what does selective cutting help maintain and minimise?
selective cutting helps maintain nutrients in the forest soil
minimise the amount of soil which is washed into rivers and other waterways
what is selective cutting?
some of the larger trees are felled whilst others are left in place
long rotation times - forest management
letting trees grow for a long period of time before cutting them down
what effect will a long rotation time have on the habitat diversity and associated biodiversity of an area?
increases
provides more stable, long term habitats
planting trees optimum distances apart - forest management
reduces intraspecific competition
can lead to trees growing tall and thin
producing poor quality timber
controlling pests and diseases - forest management
ensures trees grow well and produce high quality timber
means that fewer trees need to be felled
the best use is made of the land
why is it important that native woodlands are preserved?
maintain and enhance biodiversity
preserving very old habitats
ensuring there is a wide range of habitats available
