Course Description
Theory and techniques of controlling regeneration, density, species composition, health, and quality of forest stands. Treatments studied include seeding and planting of tree species; thinning and regeneration cuts; and appropriate use of fire, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will prepare 2 to 3-page critiques of four
articles representing different aspects of silviculture.
Athena Title
Silviculture
Undergraduate Prerequisite
[(FANR 3000 and FANR 3000L) or (FORS 4050/6050 and FORS 4050L/6050L) or (WILD 4110/6110 and WILD 4110L/6110L)] and [(FANR 3200W and FANR 3200L) or (ECOL 3500 and ECOL 3500L) or (ECOL 3505H and ECOL 3505L)]
Graduate Prerequisite
[(FANR 3000 and FANR 3000L) or (FORS 4050/6050 and FORS 4050L/6050L) or (WILD 4110/6110 and WILD 4110L/6110L)] and [(FANR 3200W and FANR 3200L) or (ECOL 3500 and ECOL 3500L) or (ECOL 3505H and ECOL 3505L)]
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of silviculture and its role in resource management. Topics covered will include history of land use, forest establishment and growth, intermediate treatments, regeneration systems, forest health and protection, fire, timber and non-timber outputs. Examples representative of southeastern silviculture will be studied to reinforce principles and practices.
Topical Outline
Week 1:Introduction, History of the Southern Forest, Species-Site Relationships Week 2:Stand Structure and Development, Density and Stocking Week 3:Introduction to Silvicultural Systems Week 4:Even-aged Systems – Clearcut Method Week 5:Artificial Regeneration - Nursery and Greenhouse Operations Week 6:Plantation Management - Site Preparation, planting, weed control, fertilizing Week 7:Intensive Management Week 8:Even-aged Systems – Seed Tree Method, Shelterwood Method Week 9:Silviculture and Water Resources Week 10:Silviculture and Biodiversity Week 11:Uneven-aged Systems – Single Tree Selection, Group Selection Week 12:Thinning, Tree Quality, Wood Quality Week 13:Improvement, Sanitation, Salvage Cuttings, Release Cuttings Week 14:Forest Protection, Prescribed Fire, Pinestraw Management Week 15:Agroforestry; Wildlife and Recreation
Syllabus