65912 - Forest Management and Planning

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows the functioning, productivity and environmental relevance of forest ecosystems, , as well as key notions of forest management and planning. The student is able to apply basic silvicultural practices for the sustainable management of forests and their protection, and the key tools needed for the planning of forest resoources.

Course contents

Background knowledge. The student must have an adequate background knowledge in plant science, biology and plant biodiversity (with reference to forest tree species), ecology and soil science, as coming from other courses already taken in the Degree.

 

Unit 1. Forest ecology (8 hrs)

1.1 Population ecology: structure of even- and uneven-aged forests, competition and mortality

1.2 Population ecology:  growth dynamics, effects of stand age

1.3 Community ecology: disturbances and ecological successions

1.4 Ecosystem ecology: water cycle, runoff and erosion in forest ecosystems

1.5 Ecosystem ecology: carbon and nutrient cycles in forest ecosystems

1.6 Reproductive biology in forest tree species

Unit 2. Silviculture (12 hrs)

2.1 Silviculture, definition and objectives; evolution of the concept of silviculture

2.2 Forest functions: production, protection, recreation, environmental

2.3 Key characteristics of wood products from forest management

2.4 Coppice methods: simple, selection, with standards, composite

2.5 High forest methods: clearcutting, shelterwood, selection methods

2.6 Thinnings: objectives and methods

2.7 The “Prescrizioni di Massima e di Polizia Forestale” in Regione Emilia-Romagna

2.8 Fundamentals of forest mensuration; notes on field measurements

2.9 Plantation forestry for quality timber production

2.10 Poplar plantations for timber and Short-Rotation Forestry (SRF) 

 

Unit 3: Forest planning (12 hrs)

3.1 Levels of forest planning

3.2 The forest plan: objectives and characteristics

3.3 Controlling the area scheduled

3.4 Controlling the volume scheduled (Austrian, von Mantel, Patrone; the coltural method)

3.5 The plan of operations: theory and examples

3.6 The “Sistema Informativo per l'Assestamento Forestale”

3.7 The “Piani Forestali Territoriali”

 

Unit 4: Forest certification schemes (4 hrs)

4.1 Sustainable management and forest certification

4.2 Main certification schemes: FSC, PEFC

4.3 Illegal logging and due diligence

 

Field practicals (24 ore)

(i) Practicals on application of Sistema Informativo per l'Assestamento Forestale (computer room; 2 hrs)

(ii) Two 1/2 day visits during the course: introduction to forest ecosystems and plantation forestry

(iii) One 2-day visit at the end of the course: introduction to key forest types in Northern Appennines and their management; meet foresters and managers from Local Bodies (Regione, Consorzi di bonifica, Unione dei Comuni, Corpo Forestale dello Stato) and discuss issues related to forest management

Readings/Bibliography

Considering the wide range of topics addressed, the course can be studied on slides and material provided by the lecturer on AMS Campus. For further reading:

Bernetti G., Del Favero R. e Pividori M. 2012. Selvicoltura produttiva. Manuale pratico. Edagricole, Bologna

Corona P., Barbati A., Ferrari B., Portoghesi L. 2011. Pianificazione ecologica dei sistemi forestali. Ed. Compagnia delle Foreste

La Marca O. e La Marca A. 2012. Appunti di Progettazione Forestale. Patron Editore

Mercurio R. e Minotta G. 2000. Arboricoltura da Legno. CLUEB, Bologna  

Piussi P. 1994. Selvicoltura Generale. UTET, Torino

Teaching methods

The course is largely based on lectures, but is integrated by a number of practicals:

(i) application of Sistema Informativo per l'Assestamento Forestale (computer room; 2 hrs);

(ii) two 1/2 day visits during the course: introduction to forest ecosystems and plantation forestry;

(iii) one 2-day visit at the end of the course: introduction to key forest types in Northern Appennines and their management; meet foresters and managers from Local Bodies (Regione, Consorzi di bonifica, Unione dei Comuni, Corpo Forestale dello Stato) and discuss issues related to forest management.

Assessment methods

The test is based on a final oral exam. The assessment is based on the understanding demonstrated by the individual student, on the discussion of field practicals and and on the quality of his presentation. Each student will answer foour questions, related to the four units making up the course. The exam lasts approximatively 45 minutes.

Three written tests will be given during the course, relating to Unit 1 (Forest ecology), Unit 2 (Silviculture) and Unit 3 (Forest planning). Each test will consist of 10 multiple-choice questions and is aimed at the self-assessment of the student.

Teaching tools

Practicals in computer room, with PCs available for each student. Instrumentation for forest mensuration during the field practicals.

Slides for all lectures are made available beforehand to the students through the AMS Campus portal.

Links to further information

http://www.ricercaforestale.it/

Office hours

See the website of Federico Magnani