Comparative Analysis of Protective Services Provided by Coppice and High Forest

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of the protective functions of coppice and high forests. Forest protective functions are interrelated because these are all dependent on several structural characteristics, such as leaf area index, biomass and litter amount, root system, etc. and values for these parameters were gathered by a review of several European studies reporting data on coppices and high forest stands in different site and management conditions. The continuous cover systems obviously provide superior protective services and the traditional coppice is more efficient than the short rotation one. Coppice woods could provide land and water protection services, not as a substitute but in addition to the high forests, especially on the small farm estates in steep terrain regions and on riparian areas.