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Review Silviculture in Secondary Forests

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Silviculture in the Tropics

Part of the book series: Tropical Forestry ((TROPICAL,volume 8))

Abstract

Secondary forests are forests regenerating through natural processes after significant reduction in the original vegetation at a point in time or over an extended period, and displaying a major difference in forest structure and/or canopy species composition with respect to nearby primary forests on similar sites. Despite their large extent, existing and potential benefits, secondary forests are mostly overlooked. The increasing area of secondary forests necessitates their professional management. If properly managed, secondary forests can provide important social and environmental benefits, contribute to poverty alleviation and reduce the pressure on the few remaining areas of primary forest. However, only suitable silvicultural treatments can restore and increase the commercial value of secondary forests. This chapter discusses the degradation processes leading to secondary forest formation, their structures, growth and yield and regeneration processes. Three insightful and demonstrative case studies were also presented to illustrate key points.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure, Nigeria

    Shadrach Olufemi Akindele & Jonathan C. Onyekwelu

Authors
  1. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele
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  2. Jonathan C. Onyekwelu
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Correspondence to Shadrach Olufemi Akindele .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Technical University of Munich, Institute of Silviculture, Hans-Carl-von- Carlowitz-Platz 2, Freising, 85354, Germany

    Sven Günter

  2. Kronwinkler Str. 14, München, 81245, Germany

    Michael Weber

  3. Bierhäuslweg 20, Dietramszell, 83623, Germany

    Bernd Stimm

  4. Kirchblick 5, Loiching, 84180, Germany

    Reinhard Mosandl

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Akindele, S.O., Onyekwelu, J.C. (2011). Review Silviculture in Secondary Forests. In: Günter, S., Weber, M., Stimm, B., Mosandl, R. (eds) Silviculture in the Tropics. Tropical Forestry, vol 8. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-19986-8_23

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