Identify silviculture practices for forest crop improvement.

Identification should include

  • describing external forces requiring improvement cutting
    • catastrophic
      • fire
      • blowdown
      • flooding
      • insect outbreaks
      • disease infestations
      • killing temperature
      • mechanical injury
    • irritants
      • animal predation
      • insects
      • diseases
      • nutrient and moisture deficiency
      • anthropogenic
  • describing improvement cutting techniques
  • removing low-value or damaged trees
  • cutting for salvage or sanitation.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What measures can a silviculturist take to supplement or substitute for natural regeneration?
  • What are possible regeneration problems that may arise after salvage cutting?
  • What are the similarities and differences between salvage and sanitation cuttings?