Silviculture: Forest Ecology

Silviculture refers to the methods and techniques used to control the structure, growth and quality of forests. These techniques are used to meet the timber production requirements, along with other values and needs of the society. Silviculture systems can be broadly classified into high forest, compound coppice, coppice with standards and short rotation coppice. It is divided into the three primary phases, namely, harvesting, regeneration and tending. Regeneration can be natural through self-sown seeds or through artificially sown seeds or planted seedlings. Regeneration is affected by the growth potential of the seeds and the surrounding environment. The pre-harvest treatment of forest crop trees is known as tending. It can be carried out at any stage post the initial seeding. This may involve the treatment of the crop itself or the treatment or surrounding competitive vegetation. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of silviculture. It aims to present researches that have transformed this discipline and aided its advancement. This book includes contributions of experts and scientists which will provide innovative insights into this field.