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The amazing changes in trees: How do they improve photosynthesis after thinning?
In recent years, thinning technology has received increasing attention in forest management. This method focuses on improving the ecological function of the forest rather than just on timber production. Its rise not only changes our understanding of forests, but also provides new ideas for reshaping the functions of ecosystems.
Thinning is no longer just about increasing timber yields, but has become an important means of enhancing forest biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Thinning as a forest management practice was originally designed to increase timber production, but with the deepening of understanding of multifunctional forests, the significance of thinning has expanded to adjust to the multiple needs of the ecosystem. Starting in the 1970s, it became increasingly common to retain cut trees in the forest understory, allowing the wood to decompose in a more natural way and thus providing diverse habitats, including a variety of invertebrates, Home to birds and small mammals.
Many fungi and moss species are saprophytic, and these organisms thrive on dead wood, further contributing to ecological diversity.
When trees grow in their natural state, they "self-thin," a process that can be unreliable in some cases. For example, in Australia's Eucalyptus eucalyptus forest, a significant portion of the trees have regenerated after being logged decades ago. This shows that thinning under commercial management can effectively reduce competition between trees and promote overall ecological and economic benefits.
Environmental physiological effects
Thinning will reduce the closure of the canopy, making it easier for solar radiation to penetrate into the canopy, thereby increasing the efficiency of photosynthesis. After thinning, the tree's root system, crown length, diameter and area will increase. Although soil evaporation and individual tree transpiration increase after thinning, evapotranspiration rates for the entire stand tend to decrease because water interception by the canopy decreases and effective runoff from rainfall increases, ultimately allowing the trees' moisture status to improve.
Thinned trees generally have better moisture status during the growing season than densely grown trees.
Furthermore, for semi-tolerant tree species such as Norway spruce, the availability of light energy is less likely to be restricted than for other less tolerant tree species. This provides an explanation for the relationship between tree ring growth and thinning intensity, with tree ring growth changing significantly as thinning intensity increases. Research shows that trees in arid areas should be thinned more heavily to maintain high, long-term growth.
Latest research progress
Significant research programs are currently underway in regions as diverse as the United States and Australia to provide an alternative approach to forest management with conservation as a priority. In these plans, two basic principles of ecological thinning are reflected: reducing trees appropriately to reduce competition, and selecting trees that are more suitable for wildlife to retain.
In Australia's hemlock forests, researchers are exploring various thinning and timber removal methods to promote important ecological habitat.
As the emphasis on ecological thinning continues to increase, its theory and practice continue to advance, bringing a new perspective that can take into account both ecological functions and economic benefits. This not only respects and regenerates the natural environment, but also contains the hope and possibility of harmoniously integrating human activities with nature.
Perhaps we should think deeply: In today's pursuit of sustainable development, how do you think we should balance the rational utilization of forest resources and ecological protection?
