Review Silviculture in Secondary Forests

Abstract

Secondary forests are forests regenerating through natural processes after significant reduction in the original vegetation at a point in time or over an extended period, and displaying a major difference in forest structure and/or canopy species composition with respect to nearby primary forests on similar sites. Despite their large extent, existing and potential benefits, secondary forests are mostly overlooked. The increasing area of secondary forests necessitates their professional management. If properly managed, secondary forests can provide important social and environmental benefits, contribute to poverty alleviation and reduce the pressure on the few remaining areas of primary forest. However, only suitable silvicultural treatments can restore and increase the commercial value of secondary forests. This chapter discusses the degradation processes leading to secondary forest formation, their structures, growth and yield and regeneration processes. Three insightful and demonstrative case studies were also presented to illustrate key points.