Relationship between silviculture and harvesting

The relationship between silviculture and harvesting operations, specifically the impacts of establishment and tending activities on harvesting operations, as well as the reciprocal effects of harvesting operations on these activities, is important. Both South Africa and Brazil employ the even-age clear-fell silvicultural system, which comprises three phases: regeneration, tending, and harvesting. These phases are interdependent and mutually related for the system to function effectively. Actions taken at one end of the value chain affect other processes in the future. This chapter focuses on sustainability dimensions and how planning can facilitate optimised value chains. Furthermore, the impacts of various activities and how the effects can be mitigated or reduced to improve efficiencies and reduce waste in both silviculture and harvesting operations are discussed. This information is vital because it enables various stakeholders in forestry to think holistically about the actions and changes they take, as the adverse effects may not be experienced until the end of the rotation.