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Forest Regeneration and Reproductive Material II

Course developer

Prior knowledge

MežZB017, Forest Regeneration and Reproductive Material I

Course abstract

Course includes analysis of techniques and technologies of area and soil preparation, ways of forest regeneration, criteria of their application. Influence of tree species mixture, initial spacing and genetic and physiological quality of plant material on success of regeneration and stand characteristics is assessed. Most important methods of protection against biotic an abiotic damages and thinning of young stands, options to ensure high carbon sequestration and stimulate adaptation capacity, stability of stands are covered.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

The study course includes students knowledge on major reforestation and afforestation aspects of applied techniques and technologies. Finishing the course students are competent to choose the most appropriate for different situations reforestation types, species composition, type of planting material, thickness, agro-technical care treatment, appreciate planting stock and planting/sowing protection measure execution quality.
Students are able to describe the reforestation relationship with carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems and forest stands adaptation potential.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Types of regeneration, conditions (prerequisites) of their application, use. 2 lectures, 2 practical work
2. Promoting natural regeneration: rationale, methods. 2 L
3. Tree species and their mixture: selection, justification, establishment methods, types. 2 L
4. Density of young stands (initial density): choice, influencing factors, creation methods. 1L,2 pr.w.
5. Methods of planting, justification of choice. 2 L
6. Forest planting and sowing: conditions, types of tillage, applied equipment. Planting season and types. 2L, 3 pr.w.
7. Planting material: genetic and physiological quality, types, preparation for planting. 2 L 2 pr.w.
8. The role of regeneration in the forest carbon balance. 1L
9. Protection of young plants against abiotic and biotic factors. 2 L, 3 pr.w.
10. Potential negative effects of climate change on young stands: abiotic and biotic factors. 2 h
11. Possibilities to enhance adaptation of young stands. Introductory action. 2L 2 pr.w.
12. Afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands, establishment of plantations: justification, choice of planting material, specifics of establishment, potential. 2 h., 2 pr.w
13. Impact of reforestation on carbon sequestration: CO2 release during mineralization, sequestration in soil. 2 h
Practical works can be organized as field trips.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Timely passed tests, prepared, and defended individual assignments.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Independently gets acquainted with the latest news available within the scope of the topic of the course, using the basic literature, additional literature and scientific resources available on the internet and indicated in the study program and presentation.
Presentation (7-10 min.) and analysis of the scientific study in foreign language based on provided key words. Student understands the kay message of the study and can explain it to the pairs. Understands the topicality of the study in context of forestry of Latvia.

Compulsory reading

Zālītis P., Jansons J. Mērķtiecīgi izveidoto kokaudžu struktūra. Rīga: LVMI "Silava" :Et cetera,2009. 80 lpp.
Zālītis P. Mežkopības priekšnosacījumi. Rīga: LVMI "Silava" :Et cetera, 2006. 220 lpp.
Mangalis I. Meža kultūras. Rīga: etcetera, 2004. 455 lpp.

Further reading

José G. Borges (2014) The Management of Industrial Forest Plantations: Theoretical Foundations and Applications. Springer. ISBN-13: 978-9401788984 Osman, Khan Towhid (2013) Forest Soils. Springer, ISBN 978-3-319-35196-4 Shepherd, K.R. Plantation Silviculture. Springer, ISBN 978-94-010-8478-9

Periodicals and other sources

BalticForestry. ISSN 1392-1355
Scandinavian Journalof Forest Research. ISSN 0282-7581