Skogsmark

Skogsmark is a term used in Swedish land-use and forestry contexts to describe land that is primarily designated and managed for forest production. It is a land category distinct from cultivated land (åkermark) and pasture land (betesmark), and is used in planning, cadastral records, and environmental assessments to indicate the main function and potential productivity of the area rather than its current appearance alone.

Management of skogsmark focuses on sustainable timber production while balancing ecological values. Typical objectives include maintaining healthy forest stands, ensuring regeneration after harvest, protecting soil and water resources, promoting biodiversity, and enabling recreation and outdoor access. Silvicultural practices may involve selective harvesting, rotation planning, thinning, and reforestation, chosen to fit site conditions and long-term goals.

Soil and site characteristics influence the productivity of skogsmark. Forest soils are often developed under acidic, nutrient-poor conditions with organic-rich humus layers. Drainage, soil type, and climate determine which tree species thrive and how intensively the land can be used. In northern Europe, common tree species on skogsmark include conifers such as pine and spruce, with mixed broadleaf stands in some regions.

Skogsmark also plays a role in carbon storage, water regulation, and habitat provision. Public and private forests can be managed for multiple uses, including timber, non-timber forest products, and outdoor recreation, while statutes and tax regimes may categorize land as skogsmark to reflect its principal use and management regime.