Teaching forest stand dynamics or what happens when you thin your Marigold plantation

Authors

E. R. Wilson, Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronoto, Canada
H. W. McIver, School of Forestry, Institute of Ecology and Resources Management, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
D. C. Malcolm, School of Forestry, Institute of Ecology and Resources Management, University of Edinburgh, Scotland

Abstract

Teaching forestry students about forest stand dynamics can be an abstract activity. Very quickly concepts are reduced to mathematical formulae, graphs and diagrams, all with relatively complicated explanations. Alternatively, computer simulation and individual tree models can be used to demonstrate important concepts such as the '3/2 Power law' of self thinning. Students can also be taken to visit plantations to talk about practical issues of density management and perhaps produce a thinning prescription. However, no single teaching strategy enables students to have 'hands on' practice at manipulating a real plant population while being able to wait and see the results of their work.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, E. R.; McIver, H. W.; and Malcolm, D. C. (1998) "Teaching forest stand dynamics or what happens when you thin your Marigold plantation," Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 7, Article 77.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol7/iss1/77