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An ecological overview of plantation forestry.
Authors: D. WhiteheadPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1981, Issue N.Z.J.For. 26(1) 1981, pp 14-19, May 1981
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: The terms used in the description of ecological processes are discussed, and their use with respect to plantation forestry is clarified. Disturbance in natural ecosystems is very common and the idea of a climax community is seldom realised in fact; disturbance may even help to maintain forest structure. High diversity is not always associated with stability and examples of forest ecosystems which are dominated by single species, often in uniform age classes, are provided. Climate is an important variable in the structure and composition of an ecosystem although it is considered that this is not so important within the time scale of most plantation forestry. It is emphasised that diversity is not necessarily directly related to productivity. The role of management in maintaining ecological balance is discussed and it is concluded that there is little ecological harm in plantation forestry provided precautions are taken in management options.