Course Outline
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COURSE OUTLINE Numerical course code MI.1742 Title Basics of forestry Faculty/Department ME Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Chair of Silviculture and Forest Ecology Amount of credits (1 ECTS = 26 hours) 3 ECTS Duration in semesters 1 Final assessment Non-differentiated APEL can be used for this course Yes Objectives The student will acquire knowledge of sustainable and close-to-nature management of forests. An overview of Estonian forests, their management and forestry legislation will be obtained. Having passed the course, the student will know the main tree species in Estonia and is able to understand forestry terminology. The acquired basic knowledge will enable to manage farm forests, carry out activities related to forest regeneration, cultivation and fellings. Learning outcomes At the end of the course the student: - knows the main terminology of forestry; - knows the forestry legislation; - knows the biology and silviculture of main forest trees in Estonia; - understands the basics of sustainable and close-to-nature forestry; - has knowledge of the impact of various environmental factors on the growth of the forests; - is able to measure trees, forests and timber; - is able to regenerate forests; - has an overview of forest site types in Estonia; - knows and understands the main forest protection issues in Estonia; - knows the types of fellings and their impact on the forest ecosystems. Brief description The following subjects will be treated within the course. Forests in Estonia and in the world. Forestry terminology. Sustainable and close-to-nature forestry. Forestry and environmental protection. Forestry legislation. The main tree species and their silvicultural characterisation. Forest management. Forest regeneration, tending and utilisation. Forest typology, forest site types in Estonia. Afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands. Energy forestry. Forest cuttings, cutting systems in Estonia. Biological and economical background of improvement cuttings and thinnings of forests. Regeneration cuttings. Clear cuttings. Shelterwood cuttings. Selection cuttings and continuous forestry. Forest protection: fungi, diseases, insect damages. Forestry and game management. Small-scale forestry. Forest products and wood utilization. Estimation of standing stock and log volume. Field training, demonstration and experimental forestry areas at Järvselja training centre. 1/1.