Silviculture

Summary

Silviculture is the practice of controlling the growth, composition/structure, as well as quality of forests to meet values and needs, specifically timber production. The name comes from the Latin silvi- ('forest') and culture ('growing'). The study of forests and woods is termed silvology. Silviculture also focuses on making sure that the treatment(s) of forest stands are used to conserve and improve their productivity. Generally, silviculture is the science and art of growing and cultivating forest [crops], based on a knowledge of silvics .The study of the life-history and general characteristics of forest trees and stands, with particular reference to local/regional factors. The focus of silviculture is the control, establishment and management of forest stands. The distinction between forestry and silviculture is that silviculture is applied at the stand-level, while forestry is a broader concept. Adaptive management is common in silviculture, while forestry can include natural/conserved land without stand-level management and treatments being applied. The origin of forestry in German-speaking Europe has defined silvicultural systems broadly as high forest (Hochwald), coppice with standards (Mittelwald) and compound coppice, short rotation coppice, and coppice (Niederwald). There are other systems as well. These varied silvicultural systems include several harvesting methods, which are often wrongly said to be a silvicultural systems, but may also be called rejuvenating or regenerating method depending on the purpose. The high forest system is further subdivided in German: High forest (Hochwald) Age class forest (Altersklassenwald) Even-aged forestry Clear cutting (Kahlschlag) Shelterwood cutting (Schirmschlag) Seed-tree method Uneven-aged forestry The Femel selection cutting (group selection cutting) (Femelschlag) Strip selection cutting (strip-and-group felling system) (Saumschlag) Shelterwood wedge cutting (Schirmkeilschlag) Mixed-form regeneration methods (Mischformen) Continuous cover forestry (Dauerwald) Uneven-aged forestry Selection forest (Plenterwald) Target diameter harvesting (Zielstärkennutzung) These names give the impression is that these are neatly defined systems, but in practice there are variations within these harvesting methods in accordance with to local ecology and site conditions.