Silviculture

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: explain the purpose of silviculture and relate it to availability of wood resources in the wood industry; discuss ways of raising tree crops and understanding the problems inherent in raising trees; and elucidate how to process and store seeds, raise tree seedlings and show understanding of the underlying principles in the choice of tree species for plantation establishment.

Types of forests including their differences. Plantation establishment including types of nursery and mechanisation of nursery and plantation practices. Site preparation methods such as the use of manual, chemicals, fire and mechanised methods including their advantages and disadvantages. Processes relating to planting of trees and tending operations including beating-up, thinning, pruning, weeding, etc.