…ith oak, primarily as nurse species to provide shelter for the oak as it becomes established. These species are ideal for this purpose, as their growth rates are compatible with that of oak, thereby avoiding overshadowing. With careful management, these nurse species can be retained well into the rotation and felled at a later thinning This produces a ‘cash crop’ during the rotation of the main species, thereby providing some financial returns whi…
…rface waters while CARBIFOR attempts to characterize changes in biomass, decomposition, CO2 and non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) flux associated with different soils and tree species, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the total greenhouse gas budget of Irish forest ecosystems. Further information on the effects of climate change on forests can be accessed through the following links: What does climate change mean for forestry? Keeping woodl…
…iety of timbers for different end uses ranging from low grade construction material to high quality joinery. The variation in crown shapes, foliage colour and texture adds diversity to the appearance of the countryside while the ecological benefits of broadleaves enhances the biodiversity within our forests. Information on the trees growing in our forests and woodlands, their origins, characteristics, timber properties etc. can be found in the fol…
…indeed this is a major sink for carbon in the forest. Decay of the organic material eventually releases the CO2 back to the atmosphere, and providing the forests are sustainably managed, it is taken up by replacement trees, thereby maintaining a balance in the carbon budget. The release of CO2, however, can be delayed through the harvesting of trees as they mature if the wood is used for construction, furniture and other end uses that prolong its…