Introduction

Wood production is the prime aim of forest plantation. Productions can be as diverse as the sites on which the trees are grown or as varied as the inputs used to produce the products. However, plantation products are generally characterized by rotation age, site preparation and intensive management than natural forest. In addition, plantations are varied from large-scale to small-scale plantations as well as long and short rotation. The shorter rotations and higher mean annual increments associated with the intensive management. Forest plantations are sited in areas with limited arable lands, or on sites which are marginally usable due to topographic, climatic or soil fertility problems. This then requires the intensification of management. The general steps required for plantation establishment and management of forestry tree species are similar regardless of the rotation age, or management intensity. To sustain the plantation the harvesting system to ensure the regeneration for the next plantation is also a challenge. The learning outcomes of this module are designed that you should know basic concepts and techniques for site preparation, plantation establishment, management, harvesting system, and regeneration methods which are of particular importance for plantation, in the tropics.