Management of Peatland Forests (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The student:
- knows the special ecological features of peatland forests and their impact on the management of such forests
- knows the site classification system of undrained and drained peatlands and is able to do the classification in field conditions
- knows how to plan silvicultural operations on peatland forests and make a ditching plan
- knows the special features of peatlands from the point of view of forest harvesting and is able to choose an appropriate harvesting method
- is aware of the influence of peatland forest management on aquatic ecosystems and knows the actions to minimize harmful effects.

Content (course unit)

Classification of peatlands, ecology of peatlands, silviculture on peatland forests, ditching plan, forest harvesting on peatlands, watershed effects of ditching

Exam schedules

Exam will be 13th October

Assessment methods and criteria

Exam 40%, active participation in groups works 40%, reports 20%

Teaching methods

International exchange students will get their own schedule.

Learning materials

Learning material will be choosen together with the international students at the beginning of the course.

Student workload

International exchange students will get their own schedule. Indipendent studing and reports about 40h, field trips and field studies ~50h,discussions in smallgroups 8-10h lectures ~20h

Content scheduling

Exam will be 13.10.2016
Deadline for reports will be 24.10.2016

Completion alternatives

Please contact to Pirjo Puustjärvi ( pirjo.puustajarvi@tamk.fi)

Practical training and working life cooperation

Lecturers from Finlands Nature Research Insitute and Forest Center

International connections

Also for international exchange students

Further information

International exchange students will get their own schedule.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Opiskelija ei osaa määrittää soiden eikä turvemaiden kasvupaikkatyyppejä. Hän ei osaa perusteita turvemaiden metsähoidosta eikä puunkorjuusta.Hän ei osaa tehdä kunnostusojitussuunnitelmaa. Opiskelija ei ole ollut läsnä riittävää määrää maasto-opetuksessa eikä ole esittänyt ja toteuttanut suunnitelmaa em. tilanteen korjaamiseksi.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Students are familiar with the main features of Finnish forestry and the peatland types in Finland. Students are aware of the main factors affecting tree growth in peatlands and know how to plan silvicultural operations and special features of peatlands from the point of view of forest harvesting.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

In addition, the students are able to some scale determine peatland types when working in the field and know how to use vegetation as an aide in the identification of peatland types.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Additionally, the students are able to draw on field observations and their theoretical knowledge in the definition of site characteristics. They are able to identify basic Finnish peatland types