Silvicultural event analysis
For several years, silvicultural event analysis has been
an integral part of the curriculum at the Forestry Faculty
in Göttingen, Germany. The basic analysis, involving
silvicultural modifications of forest structure and
growing stock value, is complemented by an evaluation
of the effects of a particular harvest operation on
the soil conditions, the genetic structure of the tree population
and the forest climate, drawing on the specific
expertise of the departments of Soil Science, Forest
Genetics, Forest Zoology and Bioclimatology. Obviously,
the usefulness of the analysis increases with increasing
uncertainty of management and complexity of
decision-making. Therefore, the method is specifically
appropriate in uneven-aged, multi-species forests managed
in the selection system.
The basic data about a particular silvicultural event
are obtained by systematic grid sampling, using fixed
or variable radius circular plots. The assessment,
known as silvicultural event sampling, takes place after
the trees have been marked for removal and before they
are cut. In this way it is possible to simultaneously produce
information about the population of trees before
the silvicultural event, about the removed trees and
about the trees remaining after the event. The silvicultural
event sampling, complemented by soil measurements,
sampling of genetic material, and radiation
measurements, thus provides data about the management
management-
induced changes, which can be used in a silvicultural
event analysis.
Silvicultural event analysis has not yet been practiced
outside the University. Based on the student comments
and the positive feedback from the various disciplines
which are taking part, the method appears to be a
promising alternative to the classical techniques of forest
assessment, which are not event-oriented, but are
scheduled to take place at fixed time intervals and
which are not holistic, but focused on timber variables.
Based on the premise that there is a growing need for a
more transparent management of forested ecosystems
and green spaces in the urbanised societies, applications
of silvicultural event analysis would probably be
appropriate in the urban environment.