Introduction to Forestry Elements of Forestry Kenneth Williams Fisheries Extension Specialist Langston University Aquaculture Extension Program

Syllabus AS 3413 Elements of Forestry

Why are forests important? Food Medicine Fuel Tools Lumber Over half the wood harvested is used for heating fuel. Over 10,000 products made from wood.

Forest benefits Erosion control Flood prevention Reduction of wind erosion Recreation

What is forestry? The art, science and practice of managing the natural resources of forestland for human benefit. The forester is a land manager responsible for all the goods, benefits and services that flow from the forest.

What is a forest? A continuous canopy of large trees 30% of Earth’s land surface Trees are the dominant vegetation however, many (1000’s), of plant and animal species are found in the forest.

Tree classification 2 broad categories: Angiosperms – encased seeds ex. Pecan Gymnosperms – naked seeds ex. Pine Pine seeds Pecan seeds

Tree classification Two classes of angiosperms Monocotyledones – ex. Palm tree (parallel veined leaves) Dicotyledones – ex. Broad-leaved trees

Tree classification Because broad-leaved trees lose their leaves each fall they are also called deciduous trees. Exception to this rule occur. Ex. Magnolia trees. Deciduous trees are also called hardwoods. Although many have quite soft-textured wood.

Tree classification Gymnosperms bear their seeds in cones. They are often called conifers. The ginkgo is an exception. Conifers do not usually lose their needles in the fall and therefore are called evergreens. Exceptions are the bald cypress and larch. Conifers are also referred to as softwoods, although their wood may be quite hard.

THE END