Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Important Facts Relating To Forestry Mulching

By Eugenia Dickerson


Forestry mulching is a method that is used in clearing land. It is a method in which a single machine is used to grind, cut and clear vegetation. This machine is also known as a mulcher, a masticator or a brushcutter. Specialised teethed drums rotate continuously as the machine shreds vegetation. The machine can clear about fifteen acres of land but this may be either more or less depending on the type of vegetation and the type of terrain.

This clearing method has a wide range of applications. One of the areas in which it is used is in right-of-way clearance. This is often required for roads, pipelines, highways and other types of utility lines. Mulchers are preferred in such cases because they can remove all standing trees, vegetation and stumps with ease. This ability also makes them a good choice for clearing land that is to be used for creation of commercial and residential projects.

The technique is quite popular among conservationist groups who use it in the conservation of riparian habitats and wetlands. Groups of organizations that take part in this exercise include non-governmental organizations, government agencies, private land owners and hunt clubs among others. Clearance of habitats serves a number of functions. This process creates room for growth of newer grasses that are a source of food for the organisms. The exercise also improves access to water sources for the animals.

Mulching is also used in managing and preventing wild fires. By reducing the amount of ground cover, the chances of starting and propagating fires is reduced. Materials such as rotten trees, dry leaves and other fuel sources are usually are known to propagate fires once they start. When a fire starts, the process may be undertaken so as to create a fire break and to prevent spread. A clean-up process can also be done using a mulcher so as to control soil erosion after a fire outbreak.

There are several advantages that are enjoyed by persons that choose to use this approach. This method has been shown to be a time saver as compared to the existing alternatives. This happens due to a number of reasons. One of the reasons is the fact that the numerous steps that are used by conventional methods such as site clearing, felling, hauling and cutting are all eliminated. Fewer machines are required for the process and consequently the cost is lower.

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 some disadvantages that may arise when these machines are used. For instance, only vegetation can be effectively moved. Other debris such as stones and rocks pose a big challenge and even cause damage to the machine. Accessibility of the area by road is a prerequisite and this may not be possible in some cases.

Forestry mulching is a technique that continues to grow in popularity by the day. As a method of clearing land, it is very cost effective. The method has numerous advantages over the traditional techniques. The disadvantages are very few.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment