Pages - Menu

The Basics Of Forestry Mulching

By Eugenia Dickerson


Forestry mulching is a technique used in land clearing. In this method, a single machine is used to clear, cut and grind vegetation. The machine that is used for this exercise is also referred to as a brushcutter, a mulcher or a masticator. The machine has steel chipper tools that move in rotatory fashion as they shred vegetation. On average, each mulcher can clear up to 15 acres of land per day depending on the nature of terrain and type of vegetation.

This method is widely used especially in large scale operation. It is one of the main methods that are used in land clearance when there is need for right-of-way. This may be required during the creation of utilities such highways, pipelines and roads. This is the preferred method because the machines that are used can clear almost all the vegetation, trees and stumps. In the same manner, they are also commonly used in the creation of residential and commercial.

This technique is used in conservation of wetlands and riparian habitats. The groups of organisations likely to be involved in this exercise include government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private land owners and hunt clubs. Animal habitats include the food, water and the shelter. Masticators are used to remove invasive species of vegetation so as to give room for grass and other food sources. The grasses also provide shelter for some organisms. Clearance also makes access to water sources easier.

Another important application is in the prevention and management of wildfires. Mulching reduces the chances of fire outbreaks by eliminating rotten trees, leafy plants and other sources of fuel. The same can be used for creating firebreaks and thus preventing the spread of active fires. Following a fire outbreak, the process is used for cleaning up the site. This helps in controlling soil erosion later on.

There are a number of advantages that are realised by using this technique. One of the biggest advantages is that it is time saving. Since the clearing is done all at once, the many steps usually involved in land clearing such as cutting, felling, hauling and site preparation are all eliminated. The need to use many different types of machines is also eliminated. Effectively, these result in lower costs associated with land preparation.

Another great advantage of these machines is that they can be used in very difficult terrains and during harsh climatic conditions. This makes their use possible at virtually any time. Despite the huge strengths that they possess, mulchers cause very little damage to the soil. The fertile component is left intact and productive. This is in contrast to the traditional methods which are associated with high rates of soil erosion.

There are a number of disadvantages that exist. One of them is that only vegetation can be effectively moved by the machines. It is difficult to process stones and rocks and these frequently lead to wear and tear of the teeth that are used by the machine. The use of the machine requires that the area is accessible by road which is not always possible.

Forestry mulching is a technique that is widely preferred for many reasons. One of the biggest strengths is that it very effective as a method of preparing land. The method bears numerous advantages over the conventional methods used for the same. The associated disadvantages are minimal.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment