Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #45

Source

Importance of forests.

Forests have a very vital part in the life of the planet. They ensure that plants play the role of lungs to the globe that is able to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen to ensure there is a balance of climates. Forests contain so many types of flora and fauna and as such, are sources of biodiversity which leads to ecological balance. They protect against erosion of soil, ensure that the source of water is retained by water cycle and reduce floods.

Forests also provide timber, foodstuff, and medicines that man needs to survive and continue to grow economically. They are also advantageous in that, they can provide cultural and recreational value that enhances our well-being of mind and body. Forests are also critical in encapsulating huge amounts of carbon in world warming. Preserving and replenishing the forests will mean a healthy environment and future of people who would come several years later.

Types of forests.

Source

Forests are categorized under - climatic, vegetative and geological. Tropical rainforests are densely vegetated areas that occur near the equator and are characterized as having a lot of rain but also biodiversity. Temperate forests grow in climates with a clear seasonality, and moderate rainfall, including both evergreen and deciduous trees. Boreal forests (taiga) are cold northerly forests inhabited by coniferous trees such as pine and spruce.

Mangrove forests are forests in coastal areas that serve to shelter the coast and sustain life in the sea. The montane forests areas are on mountains and depending on altitude and climate. Dry forests can be found in areas that experience extended dry periods and the trees drop their leaves to save water. Each of the types of forest fulfills a role of its own in support of ecosystems, climate control and supply of resources to people and wildlife.

Wildlife conservation.

Wildlife conservation can be simply defined as the defense conservation of animals, species of vegetal life and their natural habitat providing an equilibrium within ecology. It has been practical in the avoidance of extinctions of species, the maintenance of diversity, ecosystem parameters to sustain life in creating life maintaining water, atmosphere and fertile earth. The conservation efforts have seen some of the following practices; the declaration of boundaries such as national parks and wildlife reserves, imposing legislation and regulations that deal with poaching and reclaiming negative habitats. Sustainable utilization of the resource, research, and education of the population are some important steps. By protecting wildlife we save genetics diversity, we save human livelihoods, we save nature beauty to our future generations, and its a healthy and strong planet.

Effects of deforestation.

Source

Deforestation has its negative impacts on the environment, economy, and the social aspects. It contributes to biodiversity loss since many species are losing their natural habitats, and pushing the others to extinction. The cutting down of trees leads to the amount of carbon being absorbed lowered leading to global warming and climatic changes. The soil is displaced leading to erosion, soil declines in fertility, and desertification. The water cycle has been compromised and this has resulted in unexplained rainfall, lack of rain sustainability and floods.

Deforestation is also a danger to the indigenous communities that rely on the forests to feed on, shelter, and to bind their cultural identity. Economically, although logging has the ability to create temporary economic benefits, it robs the future of the resources of timber, medicinal plants and tourist attraction. On the whole, deforestation makes species and the ecosystem unsecure, thus threatening wildlife and human beings and their well-being and sustainable forest management is the guarantee to the wellbeing of the planet.

Thanks for reading my post I'm inviting @chant, @joymm and @pea07 to participate.