Characteristics and Problems in Silviculture of Temperate Forest Zones of Japan : Report Published in Honour of Professor Dr. H.C. Ivar Samset

1988

S. 277-293

5 Abb., 3 Tab., 30 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200037666

The Japanese forests of greatest ecological importance are the temperate broadleaved forests. They show a great diversity of broadleaved species, but of greatest economical value are two conifers: Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa. The forest regeneration, especially of Cryptomeria takes place through planting. There is a tendency towards larger clear- felled areas and shorter rotations. The consequences of this may be expansion of monocultures, decline in productivity, landslides on hillsides, damage to planted trees by wind, malformation of tree trunks by creeping snow, damages by or adverse effects on wildlife, difficulty of practising thinnings and weed. To avoid these undesirable effects, small area operations combined with long rotation should be aimed at. This is, however, in conflict with operational requirements. To avoid such a conflict, the construction of a dense road network, changes in organizational structure, production of high-valued timber and technical changes both in silviculture and harvesting, are suggested.