The use of site factors and site classification methods for the assessment of site quality and forest productivity in Ireland.

Abstract

Site classification methods have been traditionally used in forestry to determine the most appropriate tree species to plant and to assess their potential yields on various sites. Recently the role of site classification systems has been expanded to fulfil a wider range of multifunctional forestry objectives: silvicultural practice, sustainable forest management, climate change, carbon sequestration and environmental issues. Site classification systems used in forestry, with examples of single and multifactor systems are reviewed. Forest site quality is a composite of climatic, topography and soil factors at any one location. The determination of site quality using an approach similar to that used in Canada, the United States and Britain is advocated. This approach, based on scientific principles, can be calibrated for Irish conditions, offering potential to develop a model to aid decision making on tree species selection and the assessment of forest productivity on various sites in Ireland.