Towards Improvement of Site, Growth and Yield Information in Forestry for Sustainable Management

Abstract

Forests of India are under tremendous pressure and large extents of such forests are under various stages of degradation. Their average productivity being quite low, these forests are unable to meet the demand of a steadily increasing population. For sustainable use of forest resources, the strategy adopted is to harness the potential productivity of natural forests, simultaneously maximising net yield from plantations. Efficiency of the forest production system is to be augmented by optimal management decisions which need quality information on basic parameters of forests, such as site, stand structure, growth and yield. Currently such information is scanty, and concern has been expressed about its inadequacy. For better comprehension, the spectacular development in the relevant science have been briefly reviewed, indicating their present status in Indian forest management. Ways to improve existing forest management information, and to devote research efforts towards it, have been suggested.