Forests and their Management
3 credits
12 weeks
120 questions
Practice
The Science of Forestry and the management of forests has taken front seat as a mechanism of climate change mitigation. It is one of the few very effective measures available for the sequestration of atmospheric carbon. At the same time, management of forests provides access to tourism avenues, major and minor forest produce, food and water security for wildlife and also for people. In this course, we shall discuss the principles of forestry and silviculture. We shall use case studies and examples from India and abroad to understand how forests are planted, managed and harvested for optimising various economic and ecological values derived from forests.
Week 1
Introduction to Forest Management
  • What is a forest?
  • Classification of forests
  • Value of forests
Week 2
Basics of Silviculture
  • What is Silviculture?
  • Plant Growth Factors
  • Ecological Succession
Week 3
Forest Soils
  • Soil and Soil Profile
  • Major Soil Types
  • Nutrient Cycles
Week 4
Forest Mensuration
  • Tree Form
  • Measurement of Tree attributes - I
  • Measurement of Tree attributes - II
Week 5
Forest Surveying
  • Classical Tools
  • Photogrammetry
  • LiDAR
Week 6
Forest Protection
  • Kinds of Threats
  • Forest Fire
  • Forest Law
Week 7
Silvicultural Management - I
  • Regeneration
  • Silvicultural Systems
  • Clear Felling System
Week 8
Silvicultural Management - II
  • Shelterwood System - I
  • Selection System - II
  • Shelter System and Irregular Shelterwood System
Week 9
Logging and Yield
  • Logging and Processing
  • Growing Stock and Incement
  • Yield and Sustained Yield
Week 10
Silvicultural Practices
  • Seed Collection and Treatment
  • Nursery Treatment
  • Planting and Tending
Week 11
New Trends in Forestry
  • NTFP
  • Social Forestry and Tribal Welfare
  • Conservation of Wild Animals
  • Modern Inventory Techniques
Week 12
Revision
  • Revision (Part 1)
  • Revision (Part 2)
  • Revision (Part 3)