Forest Site Classification森林立地分类.PPTVIP

Forest Site Classification 2007 Upland Hardwood Silviculture TrainingBent Creek Experimental Forest Henry McNab Research Forester Lesson Plan (23 July 2007, 1350-1415) Class discussions – 15 min. Review importance of site classification in silviculture and methods. Field demonstration – 10 min Examine species composition method of classifying moisture regimes. Field trip: Blue Ridge Pkwy– 2 hr. Species composition approach to site classification, American chestnut, and ? Forest Site Quotations “Perhaps the single most important decision a forester can make is to manage for the right species on the right site. (Anon.) “No valid silvicultural decision can be made without reference to site quality... (Daniel, Helms, and Baker, Principles of Silviculture) Site Classification: Definition Site:The continuously varying non-living (atmosphere and soil) components of forest ecosystems that make up the physical environment, or site. Classification: The arranging of complex relationships into fewer, simpler groups to facilitate understanding, communication, and application. Site components Components that are relatively stable on a site and affect species composition: Temperature (elev.) Moisture (landform) Fertility (geology, soil) Light – ~constant at top of canopy Variable on forest floor depending on disturbance Disturbances vary by time of occurrence and level of intensity and primarily affect the density of a species: Fire Climate (ice, wind) Insects (pine beetle) Disease (chestnut) Silviculture Why classify sites? Silvicultural reasons Species composition Thinning response Regeneration success Biomass production Sawlog grade ? (David M. Smith, The Practice of Silviculture) Other forestry reasons Hazard rating (ice) Equipment limitations Taxes Wildlife habitat Recreation potential ? Methods of site classification DIRECT – measure of actual crop production on a site: Agricultural crops: bushels of wheat from a field. Forest crops: cu ft of wood from a stand. N