An alternative Silvicultural approach in managing logged-over forests

Abstract

Based on the reality of production forest management so far, logged-over forest improvement activities generally have received less attention, giving rise to the notion that the management of logged-over areas is not being taken seriously. In general, regeneration and maintenance of remaining stands as a component of the silvicultural system has not been carried out. Silviculturists must address these developments and respond to rapidly changing expectations and global paradigm shifts in how forests are viewed. Silviculturists are challenged to develop silvicultural practices, including silvicultural systems that support the function and dynamics of forest ecosystems, and maintain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience while providing needed wood and non-timber products. In the context of production forest management, the adaptation differences of commercially valuable species in terms of their position in the natural vegetation development stage can be used as a consideration in the development of silvicultural system determination. Thus, the choice of silvicultural system to be applied reflects the condition of the forest. Alternative silvicultural approaches are characterized by several aspects, including selective cutting, diversity, and combination of mixed species with natural regeneration, and avoidance of intensive site-preparation methods.