Kantokykää

Kantokykää is a Finnish term referring to the carrying capacity of a forest. It describes the maximum amount of wood that can be harvested sustainably from a forest area over a given period without depleting the forest's resources. This concept is crucial for sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that timber harvesting does not lead to long-term ecological damage or reduced future yields.

The kantokykää of a forest is influenced by several factors. These include the age and species of the trees, the soil conditions, the climate, and the forest's growth rate. Different tree species have varying growth rates and timber volumes, so a forest dominated by slow-growing, old-growth trees will have a different kantokykää than a younger forest of fast-growing species. Environmental factors like rainfall and temperature also play a significant role in tree growth and, consequently, in the forest's ability to regenerate and support harvest.

Understanding kantokykää allows forest managers to determine appropriate harvesting levels. By calculating this capacity, they can set sustainable harvest quotas that allow the forest to regenerate and maintain its ecological health and timber production potential. This prevents overexploitation and ensures the long-term viability of the forest as a resource. The assessment of kantokykää is a key component of responsible forest management and conservation efforts.