SFI 140 LABORATORY EXERCISE

LAB EXERCISE NO. 1

TROPICAL FOREST DYNAMICS

I. INTRODUCTION

Forest stand dynamics informs silviculture since it allows predictions of the pathways along which forests
could develop given initial conditions, growth, silvicultural operations, natural disturbances, regeneration,
and other natural and human influences on the system (Camp & Oliver, 2004). The understanding of its concept
is vital to silviculture to enable us to predict how stands will change through time and provide vital information
on the amount and period where forest ecosystems goods and services could be generated. Given this
understanding, the silviculturist could apply appropriate silvicultural treatments to manipulate the forests so
that these vital goods and services could be sustainably produced. This field exercise strengthens the scientific
foundation of the students in examining the changes taking place in forest ecosystems. The students should be
able to integrate his/her earlier concepts of forest ecology, soils and tree physiology in explaining the changes
in the silvicultural pathways (Figure 1) that forests could assume.

II. OBJECTIVES

In general, the study aims to provide students with knowledge and skills in understanding and
competence in assessing forest dynamics. Specifically, it aims to:

1. Determine the silvicultural pathways that the forest ecosystems could assume.
2. Identify important stand changing factors that could influence the silvicultural pathway.
3. Design silvicultural treatments to direct the forest ecosystem to a specific silvicultural pathway.

III. MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Study sites: PFLA 1 (Secondary mixed species forest) and PFLA 3 (Mahogany plantation) and/ or sites
evaluated for the field exercise on Forest Structure and Regeneration.
2. Tools/Equipment: Compass, meter tape, diameter tape, haga altimeter / abney hand level /
hypsometer, ruler, pegs, plastic straw, bolo
3. Materials for mapping: Calculator / Laptop, cross-section paper (1 yard), tracing paper (1 yard), ruler,
pencil, eraser and sharpener, masking tape, technical drawing pen, permanent marker, coloured pencils /
highlighter, long envelope
4. In each stand, where the groups were assigned a specific plot, this study on forest dynamics will be
conducted. In each stand, a strip will be laid out on the ground, 10 meters wide and 40 meters long. It
shall then be divided into 10x10 meters square plots for ease of recording.
5. In each square plot, the coordinates (i.e., spatial position) of every tree above a minimum arbitrary height
(usually 5 meters) or diameter of 10 cm is plotted. At the same time, the species identity as well as the
girth or diameter is recorded. The total height and the merchantable height, or the height up to the first
major branch, will also be determined and properly recorded for each tree. The crown radius shall be
measured from the bole of the tree towards the North, East, South and West directions. The average of
these measurements will be determined to compute for the crown area.
6. The forest floor and the understory will be characterized based on regenerations, i.e. seedlings and
saplings, and associated vegetation, considering their species and number. The average height of the litter
will be determined using 3 sample points per square plot.
7. Other environmental factors will be characterized in terms of canopy cover and slope estimates as well as
presence of creeks, gullies and disturbances.
8. The data obtained from the field will be used for the mapping of a forest profile.
9. Using Figure 1 as guide and the class discussions, the possible changes that the stand can undergo in
5, 10, 20 and 50 years will be projected. The projections should include those natural factors that direct
the silvicultural pathways.
10. Considering these changes, the students shall describe the silvicultural treatments that could be imposed
on the stands studied to shorten the changes to a complex forest ecosystem that will achieve the objective
of preserving biodiversity, protecting soil and water and possibly for wildlife conservation and
ecotourism uses of the Makiling Forest Reserve.

Sav
ann

Com
plex

Under

Figure 1 Stands change in structure over time with growth (large, striped arrows) and disturbances (solid black arrows). A robust classification
suitable for many forests and purposes are the five structures shown here; however, different structure classifications may be better for certain
purposes. & Professor Chadwick Oliver.

IV. QUESTION TO ANSWER

Mt Makiling is declared as a forest reserve and national park by virtue of several laws, e.g. RA 3523
and 6967. There could be limitations on the silvicultural treatments that could be implemented on the
various forest stands by virtue of these laws. Identify and describe these limitations and propose
changes in the current laws and policies to sustainably manage the resources of the MFR for the benefit
of the University particularly the College and its students. Consider also the various stakeholders
depending on the MFR for the various ecosystem goods and services.