The vital importance of Planted Forests in the generation of undergrowth

Our planted forests

Planted forests offer a wide range of benefits, such as generating and maintaining undergrowth. This lower stratum of vegetation in forests plays a critical role in the health and biodiversity of forest ecosystems, as well as in human well-being.

What is undergrowth?

Undergrowth refers to the vegetation that grows beneath the main canopy of trees in a forest. It often consists of a diversity of herbaceous plants, shrubs, ferns, mosses and fungi. Although it may seem insignificant compared to the giant trees that dominate the canopy, the undergrowth plays many essential roles in the balance of the forest ecosystem.

First, the undergrowth acts as a natural filter, helping to purify the air and water. The plants in this stratum absorb pollutants and capture suspended particles, thus improving the quality of the air we breathe and the purity of the water we drink. In addition, the roots of the undergrowth stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and reducing the risk of landslides, which contributes to the conservation of water resources and protection against natural disasters.

Secondly, the undergrowth provides vital habitats for a diversity of wildlife. Many species of birds, mammals, amphibians and insects depend on the undergrowth for food, shelter and reproduction. By creating a network of biodiversity within the forest, the undergrowth encourages complex ecological interactions and balances natural nutrient cycles, thus contributing to the ecosystem’s robustness in the face of environmental and climatic changes.

Sustainable Forest Management

However, the preservation and promotion of the undergrowth is not guaranteed automatically in planted forests. Sustainable Forest Management is critical to preserve the health and diversity of this vital stratum. This entails practices such as:

• Monitoring invasive species
• Promoting natural renewal of native vegetation
• Preserving crucial habitat areas