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Forestry and water retention: synergies to be fostered

Heavy cuts have a negative effect on water retention, whereas light cuts and the use of precision techniques during harvesting are effective in preserving the forest environment and water in the stand.

Practices can be improved by modifying the tree cover and the drainage and logging paths networks. Maintaining a continuous cover, particularly of very large living and dead wood, has a strong impact on the rate of water retention in the stand. Soft silviculture which respects the microclimate and the soil also favours water retention.

The retention of water in the soil is also improved by optimising drainage networks to avoid breaks and accelerations in the water flow caused by the presence of tracks, ditches, drains or other forestry equipment.

The layout of timber storage areas, roads and the paths network must therefore be carefully thought out to avoid creating leakage zones for water.

The impact of forests on hydrosystems has often been underestimated, even though foresters can have a major impact on water retention through their choice of tree species and management methods, and by preserving or restoring wetlands.
The forestry and water sectors know little about each other, and exchanges between water, forestry and regional players should be encouraged in order to take effective joint action and make the forest an active ally.