metsänviljelyn

Metsänviljely refers to the artificial regeneration of forests, a practice crucial for sustainable forestry. It involves actively intervening in the natural forest cycle to ensure timber production and other forest benefits are maintained for future generations. This contrasts with natural regeneration, where the forest renews itself through natural seed dispersal or sprouting.

The process typically begins after a forest has been harvested. Site preparation is a key initial step, which can involve methods like scarification to expose mineral soil for seeds to germinate, or full mechanical clearing to remove logging debris and competing vegetation. This prepares the ground for planting or sowing.

Planting involves placing young trees, known as seedlings or saplings, into the prepared soil. These are often grown in nurseries and selected for specific traits, such as rapid growth or disease resistance. Sowing, less common for commercial forestry, involves distributing seeds directly onto the site.

Subsequent management, often called tending, is vital for the success of the young forest. This can include measures like controlling competing vegetation through herbicide application or mechanical means, thinning to reduce competition among the planted trees, and protecting the stand from pests and diseases. The goal of tending is to promote the healthy growth of the desired tree species and ensure the development of a valuable forest. Metsänviljely is a cornerstone of modern forestry, enabling the continuous supply of wood products and the preservation of forest ecosystems.