Method for transforming and felling low-efficiency forest

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for transforming and felling a low-efficiency forest, which relates to the field of forest cultivation and comprises the following steps of felling operation, stump treatment, fallen wood treatment and tending management. The felling operation is carried out innovatively by adopting at least one combination mode of a global felling method, a canopy felling method, a lower felling method, a crown diameter felling method and a target diameter-at-breast-height felling method according to forest stand characteristics and operation targets. The cutting strength adopts diameter at breast height; the cutting cycle is set according to the tree age, the wind damage risk, the tree growth height and the forest stand canopy density difference and is carried out in the tree dormancy period. According to the low-efficiency forest transformation felling method, through combined application of multiple targeted felling modes, accurate regulation and control of a forest stand structure are achieved; by adopting the diameter at breast height cutting strength index, the operation design process is simplified, and the operability is improved; measures such as pile cutting treatment and fallen timber on-site scientific stacking are combined, and multiple targets of water and soil conservation, soil fertility maintenance and ecological restoration are effectively considered.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to forest cultivation technology, in particular to a method for low-efficiency forest transformation and harvesting. BACKGROUND

[0002] In forest tending and transformation, harvesting is a key means for low-efficiency forest transformation, which is of great significance to adjusting forest structure and improving forest quality. However, the field of low-efficiency forest transformation harvesting has outstanding problems, and the traditional harvesting method is improper, which generally causes the destruction of forest community structure after harvesting, serious soil erosion, and other situations, not only increasing the transformation cost, but also having an adverse effect on forest community structure and growth quality, and its limitations are increasingly prominent in dealing with complex problems.

[0003] The traditional harvesting method is often individual harvesting, which aims to regulate the interaction of trees around the target tree and achieve local density adjustment, and selects single undesirable wood and competitive wood for harvesting. In actual harvesting operation design, the volume harvesting intensity is adopted, and since the volume needs to be obtained through the diameter at breast height, the cumbersome process of querying the volume table and the cumbersome calculation process are increased.

[0004] The existing technology and method for low-efficiency forest transformation harvesting cannot effectively solve the above series of problems, which seriously hinders the efficient development of low-efficiency forest transformation work. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a method for low-efficiency forest transformation harvesting to solve the above technical problems. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a method for low-efficiency forest transformation harvesting to solve the problem of single forest structure in the prior art, leaving only tall arbor layer, and unsustainability of forest management.

[0006] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present application provides the following technical scheme: a method for low-efficiency forest transformation harvesting, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1, harvesting operation: according to the characteristics and management target of the stand, at least one of the following harvesting methods is used to implement harvesting:

[0008] Global harvesting method: the stand is regarded as a whole to reduce the overall stand density, and the specific implementation method includes: removing the trees in the form of a piece from the whole stand area without considering the characteristics between individual trees; removing the whole row of trees to open a harvesting channel, and selecting individual trees according to the size and shape of the trees in the reserved row for harvesting; combining global harvesting with individual harvesting, first implementing global harvesting and then implementing individual harvesting;

[0009] Crown harvesting method: harvesting part of dominant trees from top to bottom to reduce the crowding of the main canopy, the specific implementation includes: dividing the canopy layer into 1-4 levels, only harvesting the 1-2 level trees that compete with the target trees, and not harvesting the lower level trees; using unmanned aerial vehicle camera to assist in identifying target trees and interfering trees;

[0010] Lower harvesting method: harvesting trees with crown level 3-4 from bottom to top, and retaining trees with crown level 1-2, the specific implementation includes: removing trees with poor morphology, curved trunk, severe branching, severe damage, disease, and death, and unnecessary trees;

[0011] Crown diameter harvesting method: for target trees in young and middle-aged stands, removing all other trees within the crown diameter range below the target tree, with the center point of the target tree on the ground as the center and the crown diameter of the target tree as the diameter;

[0012] Target DBH harvesting method: for middle-aged and mature forests, selective harvesting is carried out according to the target DBH of 45-80 cm;

[0013] The harvesting intensity of the harvesting operation is the DBH harvesting intensity, specifically: the sum of the DBH of the harvested trees in the sample plot accounts for 15-30% of the total DBH of all trees in the sample plot before harvesting;

[0014] The harvesting cycle of the harvesting operation is determined according to the age of the trees and the risk of wind damage, specifically: fast-growing trees and young and middle-aged stands have a harvesting cycle of 3-5 years, slow-growing trees and mature forests have a harvesting cycle of 8-10 years; high wind damage risk areas use light and high frequency harvesting;

[0015] The time of the harvesting operation is in the autumn and winter of the tree dormancy period;

[0016] S2, for the stumps formed after harvesting, 3-5 shallow grooves with a depth of 2-3 cm are cut on the cutting surface, a treatment agent is prepared by mixing willow water and yellow mud at a ratio of 1:3, and the treatment agent is evenly applied to the cutting surface and the shallow grooves;

[0017] S3, the total volume of the harvested wood is calculated, 30% of the volume of the fallen trees is selected, and the remaining 70% of the volume of the wood is transported out of the forest area;

[0018] S4, all the litter layer in the harvesting strip is retained, the competitive weeds in the harvesting strip that hinder the growth of seedlings are removed regularly starting in the spring of the second year after harvesting, and the management and cultivation continue until the third year after harvesting.

[0019] Further, in step S1, the specific way of combining global harvesting with individual harvesting is: in the stand, first completely remove multiple rows of trees, and then selectively remove individual poor trees between these rows.

[0020] Further, in step S1, when the individual cutting is performed on the young stand or the lower layer of the stand, the method adopted is to remove all adjacent trees within a certain radius around the target tree or within a square centered on the target tree.

[0021] Further, in step S1, the crown layer is divided into 1-4 levels from the uppermost layer to the lowermost layer, and the crown cutting usually cuts part of the trees in the 1-2 level crown layer, and the lower layer cutting usually cuts the trees in the 3-4 level crown layer.

[0022] Further, in step S1, the cutting cycle can also be determined by the height interval of tree growth. In the early stage of stand development, a height interval of 2-4 meters is adopted. When the height growth of the stand stagnates, the height at the stagnation time can be used as the cutting cycle.

[0023] Further, in step S1, the cutting cycle can also be determined according to the canopy density of the stand. When the height growth of the stand slows down in the later stage, the light-loving tree species are cut when the crowns just touch each other, and the shade-tolerant tree species are cut when the crowns hinder each other.

[0024] Further, in step S2, the willow water extract is prepared by the following method: taking the current year's willow branches, cutting them into 10-15 cm small pieces, mixing them with water at a mass ratio of 1:5, soaking for 48 hours, and then filtering to obtain.

[0025] Further, in step S2, the yellow mud is taken from the clay soil within 20 cm below the ground surface around the forest land.

[0026] Further, in step S3, the fallen trees stacked along the contour lines have a stacking interval of 1-1.5 meters.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are:

[0028] 1. By comprehensively setting multiple cutting methods, including global cutting method, crown cutting method, lower layer cutting method, crown diameter cutting method and target diameter cutting method, the different stand characteristics and management objectives can be flexibly selected and combined for use, thereby realizing precise regulation of low-efficiency forest structure, effectively avoiding the problems of stand structure damage and ecological function degradation caused by traditional single cutting method, and improving the sustainability and ecological stability of forest management.

[0029] 2. By using the diameter at breast height as the control index of cutting intensity, the complicated volume query and calculation process in the traditional volume cutting intensity is simplified, the operation efficiency is improved, and the scientificity and operability of the cutting intensity are ensured, which is conducive to maintaining the healthy growth and structure optimization of the stand.

[0030] 3、Through the use of tree growth height interval and the determination of cutting cycle according to the forest canopy density, the growth state of the trees can be more intuitively seen, and the bad wood, competitive wood and interference wood can be easily removed.

[0031] 4、Through the shallow groove cutting of the cutting stake section to expand the treatment area, and the application of the treatment agent made by mixing willow water extract and yellow mud in proportion, the natural broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of salicylic acid formed after the natural transformation of the salicin rich in willow are utilized, the colonization and reproduction of harmful fungi and bacteria causing wood decay are effectively inhibited, and the harmful decay and pest occurrence of the cutting stake are significantly delayed. At the same time, the treatment method guides the cutting stake to transform into a slow and stable beneficial decomposition path, cooperates with the physical consolidation and isolation of the yellow mud, and together forms a lasting protective barrier, promotes the gradual and stable return of cutting stake nutrients to the soil, enhances the fertility of the forest land, and creates favorable conditions for the natural regeneration and healthy growth of subsequent forest trees.

[0032] 5、Through the setting of the neat stacking of part of the fallen trees along the contour line direction at an interval of 1 to 1.5 meters, a row of small biological fences are effectively formed, which intercepts the surface runoff and the soil particles washed down the slope, thereby significantly reducing the water and soil loss problem which is prone to occur after cutting, achieving the effect of water and soil conservation, and increasing the time and opportunity of rainwater infiltration, thereby greatly improving the water conservation capacity of the forest land, supplementing the groundwater resources, and achieving the ecological effect of improving the regional microclimate.

[0033] 6、Through the orderly reservation of part of the fallen trees in the cutting strip, hiding places and habitats are provided for various soil microorganisms, insects and small animals, and the fallen trees can also continuously return organic matter and nutrients to the soil in the process of slow decomposition, becoming a long-acting organic fertilizer source, thereby effectively maintaining the health and vitality of the soil ecosystem, and continuously providing necessary nutrient support for the growth of the residual wood and the growth of the regenerated seedlings in the forest land.

[0034] 7、Through the tending and management measures of reserving the litter layer and regularly removing competitive weeds, the water and soil conservation function of the forest land is effectively maintained, the natural regeneration and seedling growth are promoted, the forest restoration cycle is shortened, and the overall ecological benefit and operating efficiency of the low-efficiency forest reconstruction are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments described in the present application, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art based on these drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 The method flowchart provided for the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order for those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0038] As shown in the accompanying drawings: Figure 1

[0039] Example One:

[0040] The present application provides a method for transforming and harvesting low-efficiency forests, which is suitable for artificial young pure forests with single tree species, simple structure, excessively large initial planting density, and intense competition for nutrient space between trees, such as Chinese fir, poplar, or eucalyptus plantations.

[0041] The harvesting method is as follows:

[0042] S1, harvesting operation:

[0043] Harvesting method selection and combination: a combination of global harvesting and individual harvesting.

[0044] First step: global harvesting. First, survey the stand and design a reasonable harvesting operation zone. Use the "every 4th row is harvested" mode, i.e., completely remove the 3rd row in every 5 rows of trees. This operation does not consider the subtle differences between individuals in the row, and its main purpose is:

[0045] Rapidly and significantly reduce the overall density of the stand.

[0046] Create a mechanized operation channel with a width of about 3-4 meters, which provides convenience for subsequent harvesting operations and wood collection and transportation, significantly improves work efficiency, reduces labor costs, and reduces damage to retained trees.

[0047] Second step: individual harvesting. In the remaining 4 rows of trees, precise individual selection harvesting is carried out. Use the target tree nurturing system to mark the good trees with straight trunks, vigorous growth, and no pests and diseases as "target trees" (or "retained trees"). Then, harvest the trees that directly compete with the target trees, mainly including:

[0048] Competing trees: adjacent trees that overlap with the target tree's crown and compete for light space.

[0049] Poor trees: trees with curved trunks, bifurcations, multiple heads, damage, infection of pests and diseases, or weak growth.

[0050] Compressed trees: trees located in the lower layer of the canopy, with growth stagnation and difficulty in restoring vitality.

[0051] This step aims to further optimize the structure of the trees in the retained row and concentrate the growth potential on the target trees.

[0052] ​Harvesting intensity control: The diameter at breast height (DBH) harvesting intensity is used as the control index. After the above two steps of harvesting, the sum of the DBH of all harvested trees in the sample site accounts for 20% of the total sum of the DBH of all trees in the sample site before harvesting (falling within the preferred range of 15% to 30%). This intensity can effectively alleviate competition and avoid excessive harvesting, which can lead to excessively large forest gaps, exposure of forest land, and increased risk of wind damage.

[0053] Harvesting cycle determination: Given that the target stand is a middle-aged forest of fast-growing tree species, the harvesting cycle is determined to be 4 years (within the cycle range of 3 to 5 years) based on its growth characteristics. After 4 years, it is determined whether to proceed with the next intervention based on the canopy closure and growth status of the target trees.

[0054] Harvesting time: All harvesting operations are strictly scheduled to be carried out in the autumn and winter seasons when tree physiological activities are slow, and sap flow is less, which is beneficial for reducing stumping sap flow and the opportunity for pest infestation. At the same time, the ground is frozen or dry, which facilitates mechanical operations and minimizes the damage to the soil of the forest land.

[0055] S2, Stump treatment:

[0056] All stumps formed after harvesting are immediately treated:

[0057] Using an axe or chainsaw, 4 (within the range of 3 to 5) shallow grooves with a depth of about 2.5 cm (within the range of 2 to 3 cm) are cut on the inclined surface of the stumps. This is done to expand the contact area of the treatment agent.

[0058] Preparation of treatment agent: Take the current year's willow branches, cut them into 10 to 15 cm segments, mix them with water at a mass ratio of 1:5, soak for 48 hours, and then filter to obtain the willow water extract. Mix the water extract with the sticky yellow mud taken from the surrounding forest land at a volume ratio of 1:3, and stir until it becomes a uniform paste.

[0059] Use a brush to evenly apply the prepared treatment agent to the entire surface of the stumps and the inside of the shallow grooves, ensuring that the wood cut is completely covered. This treatment can effectively inhibit the growth of decay fungi and pests, guide their slow decomposition, and gradually return nutrients.

[0060] S3, Downed wood treatment:

[0061] Statistical total volume of all harvested wood.

[0062] 30% of the total amount of wood (mainly branch material, tip wood, and part of the low-value small-diameter wood) is used on site. These downed wood is strictly stacked in the harvesting zone along the contour line direction (perpendicular to the slope direction).

[0063] The distance between two adjacent piles is controlled to be 1.2 meters (in the range of 1-1.5 meters), and the height of each pile is not more than 0.5 meters, forming an effective biological fence.

[0064] If the distance is too large (e.g., more than 2 meters), the exposed slope surface between two log fences is too long, and the runoff can accelerate between them, accumulating enough kinetic energy to weaken or even completely bypass the interception effect of the next obstacle, resulting in a decrease in water and soil conservation. If the distance is too small (e.g., less than 0.5 meters), although the interception effect is excellent, it will cause excessive accumulation of logs, wasting the wood resources that could have been transported and utilized, and may cause excessive shading of the ground, hindering the regeneration of target tree seedlings. A distance of 1-1.5 meters is a golden distance. It ensures that the runoff slowed down at any log fence is effectively intercepted by the next fence before it accelerates to have a strong erosive capacity. In this way, the total kinetic energy of the runoff is continuously reduced, making it unable to erode the soil and promoting water infiltration.

[0065] The remaining 70% of dry wood and logs with commercial value are transported out of the forest area for sale, maximizing economic benefits.

[0066] The selection of 30% of the logs for on-site stacking is mainly based on ecological benefits, and the selection of 70% of the logs for transportation out of the forest area is mainly based on economic benefits and operational needs. It is an upper threshold set for economic benefits and risk control under the premise of ensuring the ecological function does not collapse. It ensures the economic feasibility of forestry management.

[0067] S4, Tending Management:

[0068] All litter layers in the cutting strip are retained and not cleaned to protect the ground surface, reduce evaporation, maintain soil fertility, and maintain microbial activity.

[0069] Starting from the spring of the second year after logging, competitive weeds and shrubs that hinder the growth of seedlings in the cutting strip (especially around the target trees) are periodically (1-2 times per year) removed by hand or using small machinery.

[0070] This tending management continues until the third year after logging to ensure that the target trees and naturally regenerated seedlings have sufficient growing space and consolidate the effects of logging and reconstruction.

[0071] The combination of "preliminary and subsequent" cutting methods perfectly balances operation efficiency and nurturing accuracy. Global cutting quickly opens up channels, laying the foundation for mechanized operations and significantly reducing operating costs; subsequent individual cutting achieves precise tree selection and optimizes the structure of retained trees. Combined with scientific felling, log water and soil conservation measures, and subsequent tending, the method effectively generates timber revenue while significantly improving the growth environment of the stand and promoting the growth of target trees, laying the foundation for the next round of efficient operations, and is particularly suitable for intensive plantations.

[0072] Example two:

[0073] The present application provides a method for transforming and cutting low-efficiency forests, which is suitable for natural secondary forests or mixed forests of different ages and layers composed of multiple tree species, complex canopy structure, and different succession stages.

[0074] The cutting method is as follows:

[0075] S1, cutting operation:

[0076] Cutting method selection and combination: the method combines canopy cutting and lower layer cutting for coordinated intervention.

[0077] First step: unmanned aerial vehicle assisted survey and target identification. Before operation, first use an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a high-resolution camera to take aerial photographs of the stand, and generate a three-dimensional model of the canopy layer based on the image data obtained. Using this model, the operator can accurately identify the top dominant trees (1-2 canopy layers), potential target trees (valuable tree species with potential for cultivation), and their direct competitors (interference trees) in the stand, and assess the distribution and health of the trees under the canopy. This technical preparation is the key to achieving precise cutting.

[0078] Second step: canopy cutting (liberate target trees). Based on the survey results, use canopy cutting. The operator enters the forest and accurately removes the top competitors (interference trees) that compete with the target trees for light and space. These felled trees may be tall dominant trees, but their presence suppresses the development of the target tree's canopy. Careful operation is required during cutting to ensure accurate direction and avoid damage to surrounding retained trees, understory trees, and seedlings. This step aims to "cut the ceiling" for the target tree and create a "liberation window" to allow its canopy to fully receive light, accelerating diameter growth and canopy expansion.

[0079] Third step: lower layer cutting (cleaning and optimization). Simultaneously, lower layer cutting is performed. The main cleaning objects are trees with canopy levels 3-4, including:

[0080] Non-target tree species: tree species that occupy ecological niches but have lower economic or ecological value.

[0081] Poor trees: trees with crooked stem, forked stem, severe branch, mechanical damage.

[0082] Weak and dead trees: trees infected by diseases and pests, weak growth, and dead trees, to improve forest health and reduce disease and pest sources.

[0083] Overcrowded plants: In some areas of natural regeneration, proper thinning is needed to create space for high-quality seedlings and saplings.

[0084] By "grabbing both ends (upper liberation, lower cleaning)", the vertical structure of the stand is optimized and controlled.

[0085] Harvesting intensity control: The diameter at breast height harvesting intensity in this embodiment is relatively low, controlled at 18% (within the range of 15% to 30%). The strategy of "light intervention and multiple times" is adopted to avoid drastic changes in forest environment due to excessive harvesting intensity, which may lead to soil erosion or the growth of pioneer weeds. All harvesting decisions are based on the growth of target trees and the health of the ecosystem.

[0086] Harvesting cycle determination: Given that the target stand is mainly composed of broad-leaved tree species with medium growth rate, and the light intervention strategy is adopted, the harvesting cycle is determined to be 8 years (within the range of 8 to 10 years). After 8 years, the canopy closure, competition status of target trees, and development status of the regeneration layer are evaluated to determine the timing and method of the next intervention.

[0087] Harvesting time: All harvesting operations are strictly carried out in the dormant season of autumn and winter, for the same reason as in Example 1.

[0088] S2, stump treatment:

[0089] All stumps formed after harvesting are immediately treated, using the same method as in Example 1:

[0090] Several shallow grooves are cut on the cutting surface of the stump.

[0091] A treatment agent is evenly applied, which is prepared by mixing willow water extract and yellow mud in a ratio of 1:3.

[0092] This is particularly important in such forest stands with high ecological value, as it can effectively prevent diseases and pests from invading healthy reserved trees through wounds, and promote the slow return of nutrients.

[0093] S3, fallen tree treatment:

[0094] Statistical total volume of harvested wood.

[0095] 30% of the total amount of wood (mainly including harvesting residues and non-commercial species) is strictly stacked along the contour lines in the open space in the forest, with a stacking distance of about 1 meter.

[0096] In the secondary forest / mixed forest ecosystem, these fallen trees are important biological habitats. Reserving and providing diverse rotten wood resources is crucial for maintaining the diversity of fungi, insects, amphibians, and even birds.

[0097] The remaining 70% of commercially valuable wood is transported and sold for economic benefits.

[0098] S4, Tending management:

[0099] All litter layers in the forest are strictly preserved, which is the basis for maintaining soil fertility, water, and microbial activity.

[0100] The focus of tending management is to protect and promote natural regeneration under the forest. Starting from the spring of the second year after logging, regularly (once a year) manually remove competitive vines and shrubs (such as kudzu, Acanthophoenix etc.) that suppress the growth of valuable tree seedlings and saplings. For high-quality seedlings of target tree species, create space for their growth.

[0101] This tending management continues until the third year after logging, ensuring that the liberated target trees and seedlings of the regeneration layer successfully occupy the ecological niche and consolidate the transformation effect.

[0102] Through the combination strategy of "upper layer liberation and lower layer cleaning", precise regulation of complex mixed forest structure is achieved. The application of unmanned aerial vehicles greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of target tree and competitive wood identification. Logging operations not only liberate target trees and promote the growth of valuable timber, but also significantly improve the health of the stand by cleaning non-purpose tree species and weak trees. Measures such as retaining fallen trees and litter, and controlling logging intensity maximize the maintenance of biodiversity and stability of the forest ecosystem.

[0103] Example Three:

[0104] The present application provides a method for low-efficiency forest transformation logging, which is suitable for ecological forests with important ecological status but degraded structure and declining protective function, such as soil and water conservation forests and water conservation forests in high mountain, steep slope, reservoir catchment area, and serious wind erosion areas.

[0105] The logging method is as follows:

[0106] S1, Logging operation:

[0107] Logging method selection and combination: adopt precise intervention method combining crown diameter logging method and target diameter logging method. Global logging and other methods with larger intensity are strictly prohibited.

[0108] First step: Crown diameter cutting (cultivate future main force). Focus on the target trees of middle and young age in the stand (usually native tree species with strong adaptability, well-developed root systems, and good crown shapes, such as oaks and pines). Remove all competing trees and undesirable trees (including shrubs and vines) within the circular area centered on the ground center of the target tree and with a radius equal to the existing crown diameter. The purpose is to immediately provide sufficient space for the root system and crown expansion of the target tree, allowing it to grow rapidly and form a stronger crown and root network, thereby more quickly and effectively holding soil and conserving water, becoming the backbone of the future stand for protection functions.

[0109] Second step: Target diameter cutting (utilize mature trees). Selectively cut mature trees in the stand that have reached the target diameter (55 cm in this example). These trees usually grow slowly, and cutting them can create space for understory regeneration while generating economic benefits. When cutting, the direction of each tree must be precisely controlled to ensure it falls parallel to the contour line and avoids damaging surrounding retained trees, saplings, and forest land.

[0110] Cutting intensity control: This example uses a very low diameter cutting intensity, strictly controlled at 15% (lower limit of 15%-30%). In areas with high wind damage or extremely steep slopes, the intensity can be further reduced to about 10%. A "very light, higher frequency" intervention mode is adopted, that is, the cutting intensity is very small each time, but the tending interval is relatively short (such as 5-6 years) to continuously guide the stand structure to develop in an optimized direction.

[0111] Cutting cycle determination: Given that most protective forest tree species are slow-growing, and the management goal is long-term stability, a longer cutting cycle of 10 years is adopted. Alternatively, the cycle can be determined based on the state of the stand when height growth stagnates.

[0112] Cutting time: Cutting operations must be strictly scheduled for the dormant season in autumn and winter, and must avoid the rainy season. At this time, the soil is frozen or dry, and the ground is solid, which can minimize damage to soil structure and water and soil loss caused by operations.

[0113] S2, stump treatment:

[0114] The treatment of all stumps formed after cutting is crucial, and the method is as follows:

[0115] Immediately cut a shallow groove on the stump cut surface.

[0116] Use a mixture of willow water and yellow mud treatment agent for uniform application.

[0117] In such fragile ecological areas, the primary goal of this step is to strictly prevent large-scale invasion of pests and diseases from the wound, avoiding the outbreak of regional pest and disease outbreaks, threatening the health of the entire protective forest system. Secondly, it is to promote slow nutrient return.

[0118] S3, log handling:

[0119] Statistical harvesting of total volume of wood.

[0120] 30% of the harvested wood (usually branches, tops and part of small-diameter logs) must be strictly placed in situ along the contour lines.

[0121] The placement must be neat and the spacing strictly controlled at 1 meter (1-1.5 meters) to form a tight and effective biological fence. These log piles can:

[0122] Physical obstruction: directly intercept and disperse surface runoff down the slope.

[0123] Reducing flow velocity: effectively reducing water flow velocity and weakening its erosion capacity.

[0124] Promote infiltration: promote local infiltration of rainwater and replenish groundwater.

[0125] Retain sediment: directly retain soil particles that are washed away.

[0126] The remaining 70% of the wood is transported out. In extremely steep and inaccessible areas, the proportion of in-situ placement may be appropriately increased to enhance the immediate effect of soil and water conservation.

[0127] S4, tending management:

[0128] All litter layers in the harvested strip are absolutely preserved, and any form of cleaning or burning is strictly prohibited. This is a natural barrier to protect the ground and maintain soil fertility.

[0129] Tending management is mainly artificial patrol and auxiliary natural regeneration. Starting from the spring of the second year after harvesting, the main task is to remove serious weeds or vines that hinder the growth of native tree seedlings. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the ground.

[0130] This management work continues until the third year after harvesting to ensure smooth regeneration under the forest.

[0131] Through "crown diameter harvesting", the future ecological main force is precisely cultivated, and through "target diameter harvesting", the existing resources are carefully utilized. Extremely low harvesting intensity and strict log soil and water conservation engineering are the core of ecological security. The entire technical solution minimizes the negative impact of forest harvesting activities on fragile ecosystems, while actively enhancing the stability and protection functions of the forest ecosystem in the future through structural adjustment.

[0132] Comparative example:

[0133] The existing harvesting methods are guided by a single economic goal, emphasizing short-term output and ignoring the sustainability of ecological processes.

[0134] Harvesting operations:

[0135] Single harvesting method: Almost all use intensive selection cutting. That is, only according to the market value of timber and personal experience, select the largest diameter and best shape trees in the forest for harvesting, which can also be understood as cutting the best and leaving the worst.

[0136] Lack of scientific basis: Harvesting decisions rely heavily on the experience of the operation personnel, and lack of scientific assessment of forest structure, tree species characteristics, ecological function and management objectives.

[0137] Large harvesting intensity: In order to pursue the economic benefit of single operation, the harvesting intensity often exceeds 30%, even reaches 40%-50%, forming a huge forest window, which seriously damages the forest environment.

[0138] Harvesting cycle confusion: Harvesting cycle is not planned, often driven by timber market price, rather than forest growth pattern. It may lead to excessive frequent harvesting or long-term non-tending.

[0139] Harvesting time at will: In order to meet the market demand or catch the construction period, harvesting is often carried out in the growing season of trees, when sap flow is strong, not only causing nutrient loss, but also making stumps more susceptible to disease and insect pests.

[0140] Stump treatment:

[0141] No any treatment measures. The stumps are left to nature, becoming a breeding ground for forest pests such as beetles, bark beetles, termites and decay fungi, which seriously threaten the health of surrounding reserved trees.

[0142] Harvesting residue treatment:

[0143] All clear and transport. In order to facilitate the next operation or reduce the risk of fire, all branches, tips, small diameter wood and other harvesting residues are usually transported out of the forest, or worse, directly piled up and burned in the forest.

[0144] All clear and transport is equivalent to permanently removing a large amount of organic matter and nutrients from the ecosystem, leading to soil degradation.

[0145] Tending management:

[0146] Only harvesting and no tending or heavy harvesting and light tending. After harvesting, very few subsequent tending management is carried out. Understory weeds and shrubs grow freely, competing with reserved trees and natural regeneration seedlings for water, fertilizer and light, resulting in a significant reduction in harvesting effect and difficulty in improving forest stand quality.

[0147] Comparison and analysis table:

[0148]

[0149]

[0150]

[0151] In summary, the present comparative example (prior art) represents a simple, extensive, short-sighted and destructive forest management mode. While the three embodiments of the present application together constitute a set of scientific, fine and sustainable modern forest cultivation technology system. There has been a fundamental change in the management concept, from seeking to cultivation, from single economy to multiple benefits, from destructive transformation to repair and function improvement.

[0152] The foregoing merely illustrates some exemplary embodiments of the present application, no doubt numerous modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the above drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for the transformation and harvesting of inefficient forests, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Logging Operations: Based on the stand characteristics and management objectives, at least one of the following logging methods shall be used for logging: Global harvesting method: Treating the forest stand as a whole to reduce the overall stand density. Specific implementation methods include: removing large tracts of trees from the entire forest stand area without considering the characteristics between individual trees; removing entire rows of trees to open harvesting channels, and selecting individual trees in the remaining rows for harvesting based on the criteria of tree size and shape; and combining global harvesting with individual harvesting, implementing global harvesting first and then individual harvesting. Canopy harvesting method: Harvesting some dominant trees from top to bottom to reduce crowding in the main canopy. Specific implementation methods include: dividing the canopy into four levels from top to bottom (1-4), harvesting only the first and second level canopy trees that compete with the target tree, and not harvesting the lower-level trees; using drone cameras to assist in identifying the target tree and its interfering trees; Lower layer felling method: felling trees with a canopy level of 3-4 from bottom to top, and retaining trees with a canopy level of 1-2. The specific implementation method includes: removing trees with poor shape, bent trunks, severe branching, severe damage, disease, weakness, death and unwanted trees; Crown diameter harvesting method: For target trees in young and middle-aged stands, all other trees within the crown diameter range below the target tree are removed, with the center point of the target tree on the ground as the center and the crown diameter of the target tree as the diameter. Target diameter at breast height (DBH) harvesting method: Selective harvesting of middle-aged and mature forests with a target DBH of 45 to 80 centimeters. The logging intensity of the logging operation is based on the diameter at breast height (DBH) logging intensity, specifically: the sum of the DBH of the trees to be logged in the sample plot accounts for 15% to 30% of the total DBH of all trees in the sample plot before logging. The logging cycle is determined based on tree age and wind damage risk, specifically: a logging cycle of 3 to 5 years is used for fast-growing trees and young and middle-aged forests, and a logging cycle of 8 to 10 years is used for slow-growing trees and mature forests; light and frequent logging is used in areas with high wind damage risk. The logging operations were carried out during the autumn and winter seasons when the trees were dormant. S2. For the stumps formed after felling, cut 3 to 5 shallow grooves with a depth of 2 to 3 cm on the cut surface. Mix willow water extract with yellow mud in a 1:3 ratio to make a treatment agent. Apply the treatment agent evenly to the cut surface of the stump and the shallow grooves. S3. Calculate the total volume of timber obtained from logging, select 30% of the volume of fallen logs, and neatly stack them in the logging strip along the contour line. Transport the remaining 70% of the volume of timber out of the forest area. S4. Retain all dead branches and fallen leaves in the logging strip. Starting in the spring of the second year after logging, regularly remove competing weeds that hinder seedling growth in the logging strip. Continue nurturing and management until the third year after logging.

2. The method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the specific method of combining global harvesting and individual harvesting is as follows: in a forest stand, multiple rows of trees are completely cleared first, and then individual undesirable trees between these rows are selectively cleared.

3. The method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, when harvesting individual trees in young stands or the lower layers of a stand, the method used is to remove all adjacent trees within a certain radius around the target tree or within a square centered on the target tree.

4. The method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the canopy level is divided into 1-4 levels from the uppermost to the lowermost level. Canopy harvesting usually involves harvesting trees of canopy level 1-2, and lower canopy harvesting usually involves harvesting trees of canopy level 3-4.

5. The method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the harvesting cycle can also be determined using tree growth height intervals. In the early stages of stand development, a height interval of 2 to 4 meters can be used. When the height growth of the stand stops, the height at which it stops can be used as the harvesting cycle.

6. A method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the harvesting cycle can also be determined based on the canopy closure of the forest stand. When the growth of tall trees slows down in the later stages of the forest stand, light-loving tree species are harvested when the canopies just touch, and shade-tolerant tree species are harvested when the canopies obstruct each other.

7. The method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the willow water extract is prepared by the following method: take the current year's willow branches, cut them into 10 to 15 cm sections, mix them with water at a mass ratio of 1:5, soak for 48 hours, and then filter.

8. A method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the yellow mud is taken from the sticky soil within 20 centimeters below the ground around the forest.

9. A method for transforming and harvesting inefficient forests according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the fallen logs stacked along the contour line are spaced 1 to 1.5 meters apart.

Images