3. Introduction
• In shelterwood system, the old stand is removed
in a series of cuttings to promote the
establishment of a new even-aged stand under
the shelter of the old one.
• The central theme to shelterwoods is that the
overstorey leave-trees are left on site to protect
the
regenerating
understorey
until
the
understorey no longer requires the protection.
(www.forestrynepal.org/notes/silviculture-systems/7)
4. Global Context
• The shelterwood system evolved during early
19th century from Britain.
• First investigated by von Huber in Bavaria
(Spurr 1956)
• Applied for forest products regulation in
▫ North American continent ( Canada, USA)
▫ British Columbia, India
▫ Strip sheltewood practiced in silver fir in
European virgin forest .
▫ In Nepal, partially followed in Kapilvastu.
5. Pattern of felling
There are 4 phases of cutting in the shelterwood
method
• Preparatory cutting
• Seed cutting
• Removal cutting
6. Pattern of felling
cont….
• Preparatory cuttings
The purpose of this cut is to remove species
that are not desired so that they do not
contribute seeds to the establishment cut. If
this is not a problem, the preparatory cut is
not necessary.
7. Pattern of felling
cont..
• Seed cut
It opens up the stand, allowing sunlight to
reach the forest floor, where it stimulates the
germination and growth of seedlings.
• Removal cut
The removal cut harvests all the mature
trees. By giving the saplings full sunlight, the
removal cut encourages the rapid growth of a
new forest.
9. Kinds of shelterwood
• Uniform
system shelter wood system
The canopy is uniformly opened up over the
whole area of a compartment to obtain
uniform regeneration under the shelter of
remaining old crop.
• Strip shelter wood system
Regeneration felling is done in the form of
strips successively from one side of the
compartment, progressing against the
direction of wind. Developed by Wagner
(1921), Eberhard (1914).
10. Kinds of shelterwood system
cont…
Group shelter wood system
• Smallest circle for final felling, medium
circle for secondary felling, and largest
circle for seeding felling are carried out in
scattered groups
• It was tried in Deodar, Kail and Sal forests
in India but was not successful due to
management problems.
11. Kinds of shelterwood
cont…
• One cut shelter wood system
Regeneration felling is done in one operation.
It is applied only when advance regeneration
is well.
• Irregular shelter wood system
Regeneration felling is on the pattern of
group system but as the regeneration period
is long, the crop produced is uneven aged or
irregular.
16. Advantages of the Shelterwood
• Soil is not completely denuded so there is little risk
of soil deterioration and erosion.
• The young crop is protected against adverse
climatic factors such as cold, frost, etc.
• Suitable system for the regeneration of both light
demander and shade bearer spps.
• From aesthetic point of view, the system is
superior to clear felling.
17. Difficulties in the Shelterwood
• As the over wood is removed in more than
one operation, there is much damage to the
young crop.
• Silviculture workers require greater skills than
those required in clear cutting:
• The isolated seed bearers are susceptible to
wind damage.
18. Conclusion
The shelterwood system protect and shelter
the developing regeneration. The trees which
are growing vigorously are retained to
provide shelter, Seed, rapid diameter
increment and value increment and
protection of site against deterioration.
19. Recommendation
•Silvicultural system are not as easy as they sound
because it requires a long term vision and
intervention objectives of a owner/state of forest.
•In Nepal, it can be praciticed as a major
contributor of national GDP, various benefits and
for research purpose.
