Silviculture

Silviculture is the practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values. The name comes from the Latin silvi- (forest) + culture (as in growing).

Overview

Silviculture is often associated with, and in some cases, considered a subset of forestry. While forestry is concerned broadly with the overall administrative, economic, legal, and social aspects, along with the scientifically-based aspects of woodland management, silviculture is focused on the more specific aspects of the trees themselves.

Practices

Silviculture practices include regeneration (both natural and artificial), tending (including cleaning, weeding, and thinning), and harvesting operations. These practices are used to secure the regular continuance of forest crops and their preservation in a healthy condition.

Systems

There are three major systems of silviculture: high forest systems, coppice systems, and compound systems. High forest systems are those in which the majority of trees are allowed to grow to full maturity. Coppice systems involve regular cutting of trees at ground level, and compound systems are a combination of the two.

Silvicultural Treatments

Silvicultural treatments are used to improve the health and productivity of forests. These treatments can include thinning, pruning, fertilization, and pest management.

See Also

• Forestry
• Sustainable forestry
• Agroforestry
• Urban forestry
• Forest ecology