Foundation of Silviculture

The closest foundation of silviculture in the natural sciences is the silvics. It deals with the principles underlying the growth and development of single tree and of the forest as a biological unit. It can be defined in the following ways:

1. The study of life history and general characteristics of forest trees and crops, with particular reference to environment factors, as the basis for the practice of silviculture.

2. The study of requirements and the processes of tree growth and the environment under which it takes place is called silvics. Stodard and Stodard (1987)

Therefore, intelligent management of the forest must depend upon a solid foundation of knowledge of silvical processes.

The practice of silviculture is related to the social as well as the biological aspects of forestry. It is regarded as the crown of the forestry. It helps in achieving the five F's. Viz,

1. Food / Fruit
2. Fodder
3. Fuel Wood
4. Fibre
5. Fertilizer

These are immediate (primary) needs of the society particularly in the rural areas. In addition to these primary needs, some other needs, which are called secondary need, are also fulfilled by silviculture. Following are the secondary needs:

1. Nitrogen Fixation
2. Soil Conservation
3. Mulch Farming
4. Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
5. Commercial Timber, etc.

Therefore, study of silviculture is very important now days. In actual sense, it is the base of forestry.It has good relations with various branches of forestry.

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