Environmental Impact

of Timber Extraction
Presented By – Indrani Dasgupta
Summit To – Dr. Papiya Golder
Student Code – BWU/LLB/24/012
Course Name – Environmental
studies
Department – LLB
Sec – A
Year - 2024

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Timber Extraction

Brief Overview:

Wood used for engineering purposes like building houses, making furniture is called timber .
The products derived from timber have been important to many civilizations, and thus it has
acquired value within these civilizations. There has always existed a powerful incentive for
individuals to capture the wood value of old growth timber.

Importance of timber in the economy and construction:

Timber, also known as wood, is a versatile and renewable natural resource that is widely used
in construction and furniture making. In India, timber is primarily sourced from various tree
species such as teak, sal, and sheesham.
Timber has several advantages as a building material. It is durable, strong, and has good
insulation properties. Additionally, timber is a sustainable choice as it is a renewable resource
and can be refilled through proper forest management.
Types of Timber Extraction

Clear Cutting:

clear-cutting, the practice of cutting down most or all of the trees in a forest or a section
of forest at the same time, usually in a uniform way. Clear-cutting is done to clear land for
agriculture or simply to provide timber and other wood products.

Selective logging:

According to this method, foresters remove the chosen trees individually. Such logging
mimics the natural ecosystem process, when the trees die naturally, and ensures
continuous harvesting.

Shelterwood cutting:

Shelterwood cutting is a management technique designed to avoid clear-cutting, but to

provide even-aged timber. It involves cutting trees in a series of cuttings, allowing new
seedlings to grow from the seeds of older trees.
Timber Extraction – Statistics and Impact

Statistics on deforestation rates:

Impacts:

• Soil Erosion
• Water Quality
• Carbon Emissions
• Biodiversity Loss
Soil Erosion

Erosion caused by logging:

Soil log means an excavation in soil of sufficient size. Logging, like deforestation, causes
soil erosion as it removes the trees protecting the soil from the elements, anchoring it to
the ground. Tree roots act to hold the soil together, and their leaves and branches form
canopies that prevent the impact of the harsh elements.

Consequences for land productivity:

Losing topsoil to erosion contributes to a loss of inherent soil fertility levels of nitrogen, P,
K, and thus to a decline in potential crop yield.

Sedimentation of waterways:

When excess soil drops out of the water and remains in the stream, the process
is known as sedimentation. Erosion and sedimentation can also have these
affects: Loss of fertile top soil. Flooding from clogged ditches, culverts, and
storm sewers.
Water Quality

Water quality is generally high in watercourses draining forested areas.

However, forest management can lead to detrimental effects on water quality
and the aquatic environment. Key concerns include diffuse pollution, carbon
transport and harmful effects on freshwater ecology.

Effects of timber extraction on local water bodies:

Since trees and forests regulate the water cycle by absorbing and releasing
water through their roots and leaves, their absence can lead to severe effects
due to the lack of water retention and increased run-off, resulting in flooding,
erosion, and drought.

Impact on aquatic ecosystems:

Logging in riparian zones can reduce shading and lead to higher water
temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Temperatures that are too
warm can affect biological processes in fish and other aquatic organisms, while
greater exposure to sunlight can lead to increased growth of algae in the
streams.
Carbon Emissions

we estimate that global wood harvests will add 3.5 to 4.2 billion metric tons of
greenhouse gases to the atmosphere annually over the coming decades. That's
roughly 10% of recent annual emissions of carbon dioxide.

Role of forests in carbon sequestration:

In areas where forests are most productive (i.e., moist tropical regions), they
can sequester up to 11 tones of CO2 per hectare per year in above-ground
biomass and additional carbon below ground.

Long-term consequences for global warming:

Scientists have predicted that long-term effects of climate change will include a
decrease in sea ice and an increase in permafrost thawing, an increase in heat
waves and heavy precipitation, and decreased water resources in semi-arid
regions.
Biodiversity Loss

Timber extraction can result in the loss of plant and animal species, as well as
the fragmentation of habitats, which can lead to declines in biodiversity.

Species at risk due to habitat destruction:

Orangutans, tigers, elephants, rhinos, and many other species are increasingly
isolated, and their sources of food and shelter are in decline. Human-wildlife
conflict also increases because without sufficient natural habitat these species
come into contact with humans and are often killed or captured.

Importance of biodiversity for ecosystem resilience:

Biologically diverse communities are also more likely to contain species that
confer resilience to that ecosystem because as a community accumulates
species, there is a higher chance of any one of them having traits that enable
them to adapt to a changing environment.
Sustainable Practices
Selective cutting is the practice of choosing certain trees to cut down rather than removing trees from an entire area – known as clear-cutting.
Overall, selective cutting is a more sustainable practice because it recognizes that trees contribute to a healthy forest and should be left standing.
You can see how selective cutting impacts different aspects of forest health with the chart below.

Clear-cutting Selective cutting

Definition Removes all trees in a selected area Removes targeted trees in a selected area

Preserves varying tree ages throughout the

Tree age Leaves areas with uniform tree ages
area

Requires reforestation efforts to plant new Allows natural regrowth as some trees
Regeneration
seeds remain to reseed

Often destroys entire habitats and can

Biodiversity Tends to preserve habitats and wildlife
endanger wildlife

Can increase soil erosion with no trees to Typically reduces soil erosion as some trees
Soil erosion
anchor the soil remain to anchor the soil

May temporarily decrease water quality due Typically has low impact on water quality,
Water quality
to increased runoff since remaining vegetation can filter water

Provides a higher yield of wood in the short May initially produce less wood, but can
Economic value
term sustain timber production long term
Thank You

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