Forest Resources Flashcards
What resources can be sourced from forests?
- Timber
- Fuel (cooking).
- Foods (Fodder for livestock, coffee, cacao, bananas).
- Fibres (paper from pulpea wood, cotton).
- Medicines (quinine from cinchona tree, aspirin from willow tree).
The importance of forests: Atmospheric regulations.
- Photosynthesis and respiration regulate CO2 and O2.
- Reservoirs of carbon.
- Carbon sequestration.
The importance of forests: Habitat and Wildlife Refuge.
- Each species of tree supports own unique community of species.
- High biodiversity.
- Creates variations in abiotic conditions.
The importance of forests: Regulation of the water cycle.
- Transpiration rates greater than other ecosystems.
- Interception via foliage increases evaporation, reduces infiltration, reduces soil erosion.
The importance of forests: Climate regulation
High humidity = amphibians survive.
Canopy absorbs lots of solar insolation, plants below get less light.
The importance of forests: Soil conservation
- Dead organic matter = humus and nutrients for soil.
- Trees help soil from being washed away.
- Humus binds soil together.
- Trees and leaf litter reduce wind velocity and raindrop erosion.
The importance of forests: shelter and a microclimate
- Trees shelter from wind velocity.
- Plants use animals for dispersal of seeds + pollination.
The importance of forests: recreation and amenity use
- Walking
- Orienteering.
- Cycling
- Camping
- Educational activities.
Differences between natural forests and plantations.
- More light (N), temp will be warmer (N), more ground vegetation (N). (ABIOTIC)
- Higher biodiversity (N), more niches (N), many species of trees (N) (BIOTIC)
What factors will influence the choice of species for forest plantations?
- Growth rates
- Resistance to pests
- Ability to grow in certain soils
- Ability to survive climate conditions.
- Demand for particular products.
What is a tree grown in the UK that is good?
Sitka Spruce
- 25% of UK forest made up of it.
- Not native (comes from Canada).
- Very fast grower.
- Few pests in this country for the spruce.
How is growth of non-indigenous species used to increase productivity? What’s its impact on biodiversity?
- Better adapted to environmental conditions so less likely to suffer from disease and pests.
- Live longer.
- Less likely to support indigenous species due to inter-species needs not being met. LOWERS.
How are monocultures used to increase productivity? What’s its impact on biodiversity?
- Makes it easier to manage a plantation as thinning, planting, and felling can be carried out over a large area without harming other species.
- Wildlife that rely on many species of tree will avoid this area. LOWERS.
How is close planting used to increase productivity? What’s its impact on biodiversity?
- Makes trees grow tall and straight. No competition from other plants.
- Inhibits growth of other plants and species that depend on them will decrease. LOWERS
How are simple age structures used to increase productivity? What’s its impact on biodiversity?
- Will be similar sizes and age so need similar management. Can all be harvested at the same time.
- Reduces variety of abiotic factors and niches. LOWERS.
