Forest Research: Open Access
Open Access

Techniques Used for Forest Restoration and Development

Shaojun Wang^{* *}Correspondence: Shaojun Wang, Department of Ecology and Environment, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, P.R. China, Email:

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Description

An organized scientific discovery called "forest restoration" aims to stop the destruction and loss of forests. People strive to rebuild a destroyed ecosystem through restoration programmes. Areas that need restoration are typically in a miserable state because of human activities. Deforestation, unauthorized fires, management practices carried out without proper environmental control and abandonment are the key actions.

The length of the restoration process results from its consideration of all the unique characteristics of the ecosystem that will be preserved. A detailed analysis has been carried out with the objective of gradually recovering the region's biodiversity, ecological function, and sustainability.

When precipitation is classified between evapotranspiration and stream flow, forest restoration aims to improve the amount of forest cover, structure, function, and/or species composition. This affects hydrology and offers a conceptual framework for forest restoration and hydrology, analyzes the research on forest hydrology that is relevant to forest restoration, and examines practical approaches to forest restoration, their impacts on the hydrology, and tradeoffs.

The hydrologic effects of three different types of forests are evaluated: managed forest plantations, which predominated early efforts for forest restoration; fully grown and ancient forests, which are frequently used as a reference model; and the early stages of native forest succession, which is a growing well-liked, ecologically-oriented or nature-based approach to forest restoration. This report indicates that managed forest plantations have low water yield, especially during dry years, whereas natural and antiquated forests have high evapotranspiration and steady water yield, provided by regulated peak discharges and continuous low flows. When compared to managed plantations, the early stages of natural forest succession may offer higher water output and higher low flows. Compared to other methods of forest restoration, including native species and natural processes can boost some hydrological benefits.

Applications of forest restoration

Restoring the forest affects hydrology by dividing up precipitation.

• Old-growth and mature forests, which serve as a model for restoration, consistently produce water.

• Managed forest plantations, an early method of forest restoration, produce little water.

• As compared to managed plantations, native forest restoration produces more water and low flows.

• Silvicultural methods, previous land uses, and geographical context all have an impact on hydrology.

Benefits of forest restoration

• Offering natural ecosystems.

• Ecosystem function has returned.

• Controlling water flows and soil erosion.

• Supplying clean water

• Stock shelter, climate regulation with aesthetics and inspiration.

The main restoration techniques used

Seedling planting: The primary method used in restoration operations is the planting of seedlings. Native and/or alien species can be utilized in this situation. It is also possible to determine if the area will receive plantings of a variety of native species or of just one variety. In comparison to other procedures, such seed cultivation, this technique offers the advantage of great efficiency and quick growth. Fast-developing animals are frequently exploited to raise the standard of living in the environment. Reforestation is another name for this restoration method.

Agroforestry: Several tree species, including shrubs, palms, and bamboos, survive alongside livestock and/or agricultural crops in Agroforestry Systems (AFS). Thereby, these are balanced, productive systems that interact with their surroundings. It is a method known as productive forest restoration that is primarily applied in regions with a high concentration of small farmers. In order to ensure the conservation and preservation of nature, negotiations addressing the natural area are established. As it assists in the restoration of the environment, it is a sustainable production method that helps both the producer and the forest.

Natural regeneration: The National Council for the Environment mostly employs natural regeneration, also known as spontaneous regeneration, in areas designated for permanent preservation. The fact that in order for the area to organically regenerate, it needs to be abandoned, of course there is a continuation, but humans have to let nature take its course. In this instance, human-introduced seeds and plants, for instance, do not reach the degraded area. To enable the vegetation to reestablish itself, the region needs to be safeguarded. This method is typically used in areas where nature has a greater capacity for natural regeneration.