Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of clear-cutting versus selective cutting?

Answer 1

Advantage of clear cutting:

It’s good for regeneration of shade intolerant species. Its economical way to regenerate needing fire as part of its management like in opening cones and controlling diseases.

Disadvantages of clear cutting:

Clear -cutting may create short term erosion problems especially in fine textured soils such as clays which may result to landslides and snow slides which would be a risk.


Advantages in selective cutting/logging:


Allows ecosystem to support more wildlife. It always forest to retain some of their resistance to disease and pests.

Disadvantages in selective cutting/logging:

In selective cutting the loggers must move the heavy equipment and logs around the remaining trees in the forest. Making it more dangerous work. It is also more expensive and a slower process.
There are some species of tree, like pines, firs and red woods that do not regenerate well after selective logging. This means that the composition of a forest overall may change after selective logging. Wind and ice storms can damage the open areas left by selective logging. Fire is also a risk after selective logging because the soil dries out and fires are more likely to occur.

Answer 2

Answer:

Clear Cutting

Pro: Financial Reasons. Clearcutting advocates argue that the method is the most efficient for both harvesting and replanting trees.

Pro: Increased Water Flow.

Con: Effects on Plant and Wildlife.

Con: Loss of Recreation Land.

Pro: Increased Farmland.

Selective Cutting

Pro: Supports more wildlife by keeping their ecosystems intact

Pro: They build up tolerance and resistance to disease and pests

Pro: Carbon dioxide that is stored by the trees will regenerate (regrow)

faster

Pro: Helps the forest grow back faster

Con: Expensive and time-consuming

Con: Some species will not regenerate (regrow) as fast

Con: More exposure to weather damage such as ice, storms, and fires

Con: Lots of stumps and other tree debris left behind

These are some things I could come up with while learning some info about this.