The Difference between
Timber Plantations and Forests
Article - 2017
After going through a few articles on the above subject, I realised that there are those people who are ‘for’ Timber Plantations and there are those who are totally against Timber Plantations.
‘Forests’ is a more complex structure, being made up of various species of plants and fauna, that ensure that important ecological functions such as pollination, seed dispersal and feeding take place,
Whereas, ‘Plantation forests’ are man-made forest grown as a crop. Usually seedlings of a single preferred species are planted together in rows, which are harvested to be marketed.
Sadly, Human activities have impacted negatively on forests. Deforestation through logging, and clearing for agriculture has been the obvious way. We now also understand that ‘timber plantations’ are in fact also responsible for substantial damage to, and loss of forest ecosystems, together with associated wetland and grassland.
Here are a few examples of the differences between:
NATURAL FORESTS
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Support species and processes within adjacent ecosystems
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Support a wide range of indigenous fauna and non-tree plant species
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All life forms usually indigenous
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No ecological disturbance- Contribute to continuation of macro evolutionary processes
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Long term self-sustainability ensured by natural replenishment
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Control soil erosion – Humus layer buffers soil loss
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Do not require the application of man-made chemicals
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Do not cause pollution of soil, air and water
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Maintain a stable soil ph. which helps to retain nutrients
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Multiple products and services
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Supply needs of communities that inhabit forested areas
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Provide diverse products on a continuous cyclical basis
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Conserve and purify water and help to regulate flow
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Diverse landscapes retain the ‘sense of place’ that sustains language and cultural differences
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Stimulate artistic expression through painting, poetry etc.
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No hidden costs in respect of maintain productive forests
TIMBER PLANTATIONS
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Damaging to adjacent natural plant and animal communities
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Radical habitat alteration threatens indigenous animal life
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Usually dominated by alien plants
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Major ecological disturbance- destroys original vegetation and disrupts evolution locally.
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Not sustainable beyond medium term even with human input
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Result in increased soil erosion through repeated disturbance
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Heavy applications of chemical fertilisers and poisons
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Major direct polluter of soil and water both on and off site
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Soil acidity increases and this causes the leaching of nutrients
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Limited range of products
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Undermine and displace traditional human communities
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Supplies products after a specific time period e.g. every 10 years
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Consume excessive water and cause increased runoff damage
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Monotonous landscapes incapable of stimulating diversity of thought, language or creativity
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Have very little potential for stirring the human soul
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If plantations fail, the land is rendered virtually useless
