Tree Rings Give Answer To How Forests Were Managed In The Olden Days

Ring patterns discovered in old oak construction wood, reveal how forests were managed in the olden days, based on a study. Researchers studying oak timber used in construction have identified a recurring tree ring pattern.

(Photo : Johannes Plenio)

This ring pattern they believe holds the secret as to how forests were managed in ancient times. The timber that was studied was from old buildings and archeological sites, from as far back as the 4th to 21st century. It was a shocking discovery for the scientists. This was because the oldest known records of forest management were from the 13th century. 

Meaning of The Pattern in the Rings 

According to Bernhard Muigg, a dendrochronologist, a coppice system of management would produce a forest as tall as two-story. The single trees in the upper part are left to grow for decades. In the coppice-with-standard system, the trees(usually oaks) are left to grow till maximum length. They are then used for structural timber and the lower part is "coppiced" 

Because of this arrangement, a certain tree ring pattern is formed. These thick rings indicate heavy growth. Muigg stated that the trees are growing fast, "you can see it with your eyes" . Mugg and his team found nine cycles indicating heavy growth in the trees, the oldest of the 161 oak trees they studied was planted in 1761. To look for similar markings, they moved on to study more than 2,000 timbers from historical buildings in Germany and France. These timbers were from between 300-2015. 

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(Photo : Pixabay)

When Did Forest Management Start? 

After studying the timber, the team found some woods with the same ring pattern dating to as far back as the 16th century. Hypothetically forest management was not recorded till about 1000-1250. This was years after the practice had already started.

The only mention of forests was in talks about huntings or donations. He added that this was the main reason why the work they did was so important. Without it, information that was not recorded in history wouldn't be documented. 

Ian Short, a forestry researcher at Teagasc, Ireland added that he was pleased to see learn that the coppice-with standard method has lasted that long. He was not involved in the research but he also talked about the importance of this technique, "it encourages conservation and longevity" he said. He hopes to see more of the same standard in modern forest management. 

There are still woods that are yet to be analyzed. Muigg and his team of researchers hope to gather more data and carry out more studies in the future. They intend to study a larger sample of wood to know how the practice gained popularity throughout Europe. 

Forest management is an aspect of forestry that controls the use of forests and trees to meet specific objectives. It deals with the management of forests both man-made and natural. Forest management is important to ensure the continued sustenance of the ecological balance. 

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