Course code MežZ3008

Credit points 3

Field Seminars of Silviculture

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes32

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation16.03.2021

Responsible UnitInstitute of Forest Management

Course developer

author lect.

Edgars Dubrovskis

Mg. silv.

Course abstract

Setting up sampling plots. Numeration of trees. Tree height and diameter measurement. Recognizing elements of forest structure. Different sampling plot check up. Calculation of stand taxation parameters. Preparing report.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. During the forestry practice, students are familiar with the methodology of establishment of a new scientific sample plots, calculating stand indicators and evaluating data – practical works.
2. Students have the ability to independently establish plots in different forest ecosystems, perform measurements of the tree diameter, height and other characteristics – practical works.
3. Capable of analysing the structural elements of the forest stand – practical works.
4. He or she shall be able to use the measurements obtained for the calculation of forest stands taxation indicators and to perform their graphic presentation – practical works.
5. After learning the study course, students are competent to install scientific plots independently in order to collect both qualitative and quantitative data on the study forest stand, including for the development of bachelor's work – practical works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Establishment of the sample plot, tree numbering, survey and grading. (8 hours)
2. Renewal and re-survey of existing plots. (8 hours)
3. Survey and data analysis of scientific plots of different tree species and studies. (8 hours)
4. Calculation of stand dendrometric characteristics, graphical representation preparation of report. (8 hours)
5.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Students in the groups must take part in all practice sessions involving the establishment of plots and the proper measurement.
Students perform data entry, further calculation and data mathematical processing.
The calculated indicators need to be analysed by producing a report in Word/PDF format within a group, following the guidance provided above for qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
The report must be defended by presenting its results to the study course leader and course members.
Final score: Offset with a check mark.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students in groups independently assess the information provided prior to practical lessons on the mandatory and potential indicators to be calculated. Indicators must, as far as possible, describe the measured forest stands, their development, the further use and also to justify the survey of different indicators and characteristics in nature and calculation in a step of cameral work, their analysis.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final score consists of the arithmetic mean of the following parts:
• a practical report (design according to SND rules) presented at the time, together with calculation spreadsheets (check the correctness of calculations/compliance with the claimant);
• presentation of a report submitted at the time assessing the quality of its presentation and the conformity of the characteristics to the requested;
• presentation of the results of the report;
• qualitative answers to questions;
• the presenters are asked questions.

Compulsory reading

1. Skudra P., Dreimanis A. Mežsaimniecības pamati. Rīga, Zvaigzne, 1993. 89. lpp.
2. Liepa I. Pieauguma mācība. Jelgava, LLU, 1996. 123 lpp.
3. Arhipova I., Bāliņa S. Statistika ekonomikā. Risinājumi ar SPSS un Microsoft Excel. Rīga, Datorzinību centrs, 2003. 352 lpp.
4. Dreimanis A. Mežsaimniecības pamati, mācību līdzeklis LLU Meža fakultātes studentiem un nozares speciālistiem, A/S LVM, Jelgava: LLU Meža fakultāte, Studentu biedrība "Šalkone". 2016. 219 lpp.

Further reading

1. Zar J.H. Biostatistical Analysis. New Jersey: Published by Prentice Hall, 1999. 591 p.
2. Miezīte O. Meža aizsardzība un apsardzība. I daļa Meža entomoloģija, mācību līdzeklis LLU Meža fakultātes studentiem un nozares speciālistiem, A/S LVM, Jelgava: LLU Meža fakultāte, Studentu biedrība "Šalkone". 2015. 172 lpp.
3. Miezīte O. Meža aizsardzība. II daļa Meža fitopatoloģija, mācību līdzeklis LLU Meža fakultātes studentiem un nozares speciālistiem, A/S LVM, Jelgava: LLU Meža fakultāte, Studentu biedrība "Šalkone". 2017. 173 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. LLU raksti (Proceedings of LAU, www.llu.lv); ISSN 1407-4427.
2. Starptautiskais zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Baltic Forestry"; ISSN 1392-1355.
3. Zinātnisko rakstu krājums "Mežzinātne" [ tiešsaiste]. Salaspils: Latvijas Valsts Mežzinātnes institūts "Silava". ISSN 1407-270X. [skatīts 05.12.2011.] Pieejams: http://www.silava.lv/Mezzinatne/lejupieladei.aspx