First year at Dresden University of Technology: Module 4

Forest plantations and agroforestry

 

Course objectives: (I) Develop and implement the establishment and treatment of forest plantations in the tropics. (II) Conduct the reconnaissance of afforestation areas, plan silvicultural and forest protection operations for the establishment and treatment of forest plantations. (III) Select tree species and provenances, refer to purposeful operations and technologies of silviculture and take integrated forest production into consideration. (IV) Select of woody plants in agroforestry and analyse, classify and evaluate agro-forestry systems .

 

Course contents: The module is concerned with silviculture for forest plantations and agroforestry in the tropics and subtropics. Selected types of forest plantations in the tropics and subtropics with objective targets relevant for the future are introduced. Important silvicultural stages for forest plantations development are initially defined, followed by their detailed explanation. In this context, regionally important genera and tree species are taken into consideration. Principles and methods for the reconnaissance of afforestation areas for the planning of plantation projects and planting of trees are introduced. The sustainable management of forest plantations is dealt with, based on case studies. This is connected with the study of integrated forest protection. Criteria for the classification of agroforestry systems are explained and a synopsis is given regarding their geographical distribution and assessment. The process of the development of agroforestry systems and innovative technologies is dealt with, referring to examples. Particular attention is put on the multifunctional tasks and performances of the woody plant components in agroforestry systems and their contribution to rural development.

 

Teaching and leaning methods: 2.0 hrs/wk Lecture, 2.0 hrs/wk Seminar

 

Examination: The credits are obtained after passing the module examination. The examination consists of a seminar paper (30 hours) and an oral examination (20 minutes).

 

Competences acquired: The student is able to purposefully develop and implement the establishment and treatment of forest plantations in the tropics. He or she is able to conduct the reconnaissance of afforestation areas, plan silvicultural and forest protection operations for the establishment and treatment of forest plantations, properly select tree species and provenances, refer to purposeful operations and technologies of silviculture and to take integrated forest production into consideration. Student can also apply the acquired knowledge for planting of woody plants in agroforestry. He or she is able to analyse, classify and evaluate agroforestry systems with reference to components, and to further develop innovative technologies relying on on-station and on-farm research.