Forest Soil Management and Silvicultural Treatments

Abstract

Natural forests are managed with the objectives of conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem health so that they sustain ecosystem functions and services. Forest plantations are managed for enhancing and sustaining site quality and productivity and ensure economic returns from higher yields of wood, timber, fuelwood, pulp, etc. Site quality and productivity are influenced by soil and environmental and management factors. The range of management practices includes seedling development, site preparation, planting, tending, weeding, fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting. These procedures may be manual (particularly in developing countries) and mechanical (particularly in developed countries). These practices have both positive and negative impacts on growth of trees, soil, and environment. For example, suppressing competition through weeding by herbicides, and promoting growth of trees by sewage sludge and wastewater application can deteriorate water quality unless carefully managed.