Forestry

The practice of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values. It is the applied ecology of forest management, guiding decisions about when and how to plant, thin, and harvest trees.

A dynamic and evolving concept that aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social, and environmental values of all types of forests for the benefit of present and future generations. It is guided by criteria and indicators at national and international levels.

The natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted, usually through deforestation, logging, or natural disturbance such as wildfire. It differs from afforestation, which is planting trees on land that was not previously forested.

A systematic collection of data on the quantity, quality, and condition of forest resources, including tree species composition, diameter, height, volume, age, and health. Modern forest inventories increasingly use remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR and satellite imagery.

The scientific study of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants, including their taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and distribution. Dendrology is foundational to forestry because proper species identification is essential for effective forest management.

A harvesting method in which all or nearly all trees in a designated area are removed in a single operation. While efficient and economically advantageous for certain species that require full sunlight for regeneration, it is controversial due to its visual impact and potential ecological consequences.

A land use management system in which trees or shrubs are deliberately integrated with agricultural crops and/or livestock on the same land, combining ecological and economic benefits. It includes practices such as alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreaks.

The natural process by which a forest ecosystem changes in species composition and structure over time following a disturbance. Primary succession occurs on bare substrate, while secondary succession occurs on land where a forest previously existed.

The process of managing human activities and natural resources within a watershed to protect and improve water quality, regulate water flow, and reduce soil erosion. Forests play a critical role in watershed function by intercepting rainfall, promoting infiltration, and stabilizing soils.

The process by which trees and other vegetation absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and store it as carbon in their biomass (trunks, branches, roots) and in forest soils. Forests are among the largest terrestrial carbon sinks on Earth.