Forest Resources PDF

SOURCE S Renewable & Non- renewable  Based on continual utility, natural resources can be classified into two types. Renewable sources: These resources can be generated continuously and are in-exhaustible. They are available in plenty and are the cleanest sources of energy available on t...

SOURCE S Renewable & Non- renewable  Based on continual utility, natural resources can be classified into two types. Renewable sources: These resources can be generated continuously and are in-exhaustible. They are available in plenty and are the cleanest sources of energy available on this planet. Examples include Wood, water, forest, animal, Solar energy, Wind energy, Hydro power, Tidal energy, Geo- thermal energy, forest, etc. They have low carbon emission; therefore, they are considered as green and environmental friendly.  Non-renewable sources They are natural resources that cannot be regenerated once they are exhausted. They cannot be used again. They are not environmental friendly and can have serious effect on our health. Ex: Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas and Nuclear fuels. Non-renewable sources release toxic gases in the air when burnt, which are the major cause for global warming. FOREST RESOURCES Forest is important renewable resources. Forest vary in composition and diversity and can contribute substantially to the economic development of any country. Plants along with trees cover large areas, produce variety of products and provide food for living organisms, and also important to save the environment. It is estimated that about 30% of world area is covered by forest whereas 26% by pastures. Among all continents, Africa has largest forested area (33%) followed by Latin America (25%), whereas in North America forest cover is only 11%. Asia and former USSR has 14% area under forest. European countries have only 3% area under forest cover. India’s Forest Cover accounts for 20.6% of the Uses of forests Forest can provide prosperity of human being and to the nations. Important uses of forest can be classified as under - Commercial values - Ecological significance - Aesthetic values - Life and economy of tribal Commercial values Forests are main source of many commercial products such as wood, timber, pulpwood etc. About 1.5 billion people depend upon fuel wood as an energy source. Timber obtained from the forest can used to make plywood, board, doors and windows, furniture, and agriculture implements and sports goods. Timber is also a raw material for preparation of paper, rayon and film. Forest can provide food , fibre, edible oils and drugs. Forest lands are also used for agriculture and grazing. Forest is important source of development of dams, recreation and mining. Forest provide food, medicine and other products needed for tribal people and play a vital role in the life and economy of tribes living in the forest. Ecological uses Forests are habitat to all wild animals, plants and support millions of species. They help in reducing global warming caused by green house gases and produces oxygen upon photosynthesis. Forest can act as pollution purifier by absorbing toxic gases. Forest not only helps in soil conservation but also helps to regulate the hydrological cycle. Aesthetic values All over the world people appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the forest because forests have a greatest aesthetic value. Forest provides opportunity for recreation and ecosystem research. Over exploitation of forests Forests contribute substantially to the national economy. With increasing population increased demand of fuel wood, expansion of area under urban development and industries has lead to over exploitation of forest. At present international level we are losing forest at the rate of 1.7 crore hectares annually. Overexploitation also occurs due to overgrazing and conversion of forest to pastures for domestic use. Deforestation Forest are burned or cut for clearing of land for agriculture-mining, harvesting for wood and timber, development and expansion of cities.These economic gains are short term where as long term effects of deforestation are irreversible Deforestation rate is relatively low in temperate countries than in tropics If present rate of deforestation continues we may losses 90% tropical forest in coming six decades. For ecological balance 33% area should be Causes of deforestation Forest area in some developed area has expanded. However in developing countries area under forest is showing declining trend particularly in tropical region. Main causes of deforestation are 1) Shifting cultivation or jhum cultivation This practice is prevalent in tribal areas where forest lands are cleared to grow subsistence crops. It is estimated that principle cause of deforestation in tropics in Africa, Asia and tropical America is estimated to be 70, 50, and 35% respectively. Shifting cultivation which is a practice of slash and burn agriculture are posses to clear more than 5 lakh hectares of land annually. In India, shifting cultivation is prevalent in northeast and to limited extent in M.P, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and is contributing significantly to deforestation. 2) Commercial logging It is a important deforestation agent. It may not be the primary cause but definitely it acts as secondary cause, because new logging lots permits shifting cultivation. 3) Need for fuel wood Increased population has lead to increasing demand for fuel wood which is also acting as an important deforestation agent, particularly in dry forest. 4) Expansion for agribusiness With the addition of cash crops such as oil palm, rubber, fruits and ornamental plants, there is stress to expand the area for agribusiness products which results in deforestation. 5) Development projects and growing need for food The growing demand for electricity, irrigation, construction, mining, etc. has lead to destruction of forest. Increased population needs more food which has compelled for increasing area under agriculture crops compelling for deforestation. 6) Raw materials for industrial use Forest provides raw material for industry and it has exerted tremendous pressure on forest. Increasing demand for plywood for backing has exerted pressure on cutting of other species such as fir to be used as backing material for apple in J&K and tea in northeast states. And also for coal and other minerals. Major effects of deforestation Deforestation adversely and directly affects and damages the environment and living beings.Major causes of deforestation are Soil erosion and loss of soil fertility Decrease of rain fall due to affect of hydrological cycle Expansion of deserts Climate change and depletion of water table Loss of biodiversity ,flora and fauna Environmental changes and disturbance in forest ecosystems