Lecture 2: Introduction to Silviculture and Functions of Forests PDF

LECTURE 2: INTRODUCTION TO SILVICULTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF FORESTS Dr. Gagan Mehta Assistant Professor  INTRODUCTION:  Silviculture pertains to the raising, development, care, reproduction and overall management of forest cr...

LECTURE 2: INTRODUCTION TO SILVICULTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF FORESTS Dr. Gagan Mehta Assistant Professor  INTRODUCTION:  Silviculture pertains to the raising, development, care, reproduction and overall management of forest crops.  Definition: If has been defined variously as follows:  By Toumey and Korstain: Silviculture is that branch of forestry which deals with the establishment, development, care and reproduction of stands of timber.  By Champion and Seth: The terms silviculture, in English refers only to certain aspects of the theory and practices of raising of forests crops. OBJECTIVES OF SILVICULTURE:  Study of silviculture helps to attain the following object: 1. To derive environmental benefits: Soil and water conservation, control of air and noise pollution, wild life conservation, regulation of climatic condition, regulation of water cycle. 2. Raising species of more economic value: If the forests have to produce timber of Industrial and economic importance study and practice of silviculture in order to produce only desired species is importance. 3. Production of high-quality timer: Silviculture techniques help of avoid the problem of crooked, malformed, disease or defective timber and thus help to produce goods quality timber. 4. Production of more volume per unit area: Unmanaged forests may be too dense or too open leading to less production and premature death of trees. Therefore, study and practice of silviculture helps to solve these problems. 5. Reduction of rotation period: In unmanaged forests because of intense competition the rotation tends to be longer. This means that that it takes longer duration for the tree species to reach the size at which it can be exlpoited. Therefore with the practical application of silviculture,the density of crop can be properly regulated and rotation period can be reduced. 6. Afforestation of blank areas: Waste lands can be used for raising new tree plantations, which ocassionally remain blank due to adverse factors inhibilting growth of trees. Therefore, silvicultre skills and techniques helps in raising forests in such areas. 7. Creation of plantation: Man made forests or plantations may be created in placed of natural forests. 8. Introduction of exotics: Successful introduction of exotic species is possible only when the forester is conversant with the silviculture of the exotics as well as climatic and soil conditions of the localities in which they can be introduced. Eg. Eucalyptus 9. Employment potential: In any plantation operation, the labour component account for 60 to 70% of the total financial input. 10. Increase in the production of fuel and fodder: In development countries like India it is important aspect. 11. Forest Industries: Resin for rosin and turpentine industry, pulp wood for paper industry, industrial wood for match and timber industry, railway, etc, minor forests product based industries. FUNCTIONS OF FOREST Sr.No Particulars Functions 1. Productive They provide timer, fuel, charcoal, beedi , leaves, was and resins, fruits, tanning, materials, manure leaves, grass, bamboo, gums, lac etc. 2. Protective Forests protect water sheds, catchments of rivers and streams against erosion. 3. Aesthetic Forests add good appearance, landscaping and a thrilling atmosphere to the locality. 4. Recreational Forest provides picnic resorts and opportunities for sport like hiking, trekking, wild life watching, bird watching. 5. Scientific Study of ecological process can be made Sr.No Particulars Functions 6. Ameliorative Forests improve climate and reduce pollution. 7. Hygienic Forests improve the environment and help in reduction of noise, purify the air and give out oxygen to the atmosphere. 8. Industrial Forest meet the need for raw material for developments industrial development such as Paper pups, rayon grade pulp, plywood etc.