Introduction
The rapid cutting down of trees for meeting the unwanted and ever-increasing needs of man has resulted in deteriorating the standards of life on the earth. All the organisms are affected by the impacts of deforestation. Several threats have been generated including massive change in the climate that is resulting in the change of living habitats of the organisms of that area. More to this, the soil is becoming unfertile for agriculture, reduction in rainfall, and irregular rainfall with seasonal drought, adding to the worsening effects of the greenhouse.
What is Reforestation?
Figure 1: Reforestation
The term reforestation is defined as the re-planting of trees, on the land, which is massively affected by humans for their never-ending wants. Although it seems that humans are benefited from the encroaching of resources by force, this benefit is not permanent. Therefore, re-planting of trees is necessary for those places to recover the balance of the ecosystem. However, reforestation is quite similar to the practice of afforestation, as both of these practises have one goal-the planting of trees. Afforestation is defined as the practice of planting trees.
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What is Deforestation?
Figure 2: Deforestation
Deforestation is a term that refers to the purpose of clearing forested areas and lands. However, although the term seems to arrive in usage a decade back, the notion of clearing forests dates back to the primitives when they cleared forest areas for their settlements and for their survival. However, at that time, the population was not to this extent and advancements in technology have not progressed to such an extent as it is now, in today’s world.
The reason for clearing up of lands is because of agricultural purposes, grazing areas for animals, obtaining of wood for commercial purposes, manufacturing and development of construction sites. Deforestation has created massive impacts on the lives of the organisms on earth, leading certain species to the verge of extinction.
Difference between Reforestation and Afforestation
Although both the terms, reforestation and afforestation, seems to be quite similar in practical purposes and shares the same goals there lies a unique difference between the two terms. The practice of reforestation is defined as the process of planting trees within the forest arena, where the trees are being cleared off for the benefit of. On the other hand, afforestation refers to the planting of trees or sowing of seeds in an area where no trees are there prior to planting. This results in the growth of new trees leading to the growth of forests.
Figure 3: Afforestation
Reforestation Planting Trees
Reforestation is stated as re-plantation of areas that are deforested in the earlier past. This practice is quite effective in maintaining a balance and restoring biodiversity.
In the above picture, the practice of replanting trees is clearly shown in the areas that are earlier cleared for commercial purposes.
This is a silvicultural treatment that supports accelerating the growth of the plants promoting stable conditions of survival for the organisms inhabiting this area. This not only supports maintaining the condition of the species but also carbon sequestration resulting in the retaining of the soil fertility. This also includes generation methods. However, two distinct methods are noted for re-plantation, that includes, even-aged strands, and uneven-aged strands.
Benefits of Reforestation
Figure 4: Benefits of reforestation
In several ways reforestation supports the survival of organisms over the earth. The predominant benefit is mitigation of the changes in climatic conditions. It is noticed that younger forests tend to hold and store more amount of carbon than older forests. More to this, trees make use of 50% of the carbon that is emitted within the atmosphere.
This also improves the quality of air as, by intake of carbon, trees release oxygen and support in maintaining a balance. This process helps in improving biodiversity leading to restoring of wildlife. This also maintains the fertility of the soil as well as the water cycle and quality of water, preventing floods and reversing diversification.