Definition

1. “The art and science of cultivating forest crops” (Indian Forest and Forest Products Terminology)
2. Silviculture refers only to certain aspects of the theory and practice of raising forest crops (Champion and Seth)
3. Silviculture is that branch of forestry which deals with the establishment, development, care, and reproduction of standsof timber.

Silvics is the study of life history and general characteristics of forest trees and crops with particular reference to environmental factors, as the basis for the practice of silviculture.

• Silviculture includes both silvicsand their practical application.
• Silviculture is not a purely biological science which has norelation with economics.

Objectives

1. Production of species of economic value (Propagation of more valuable and useful species to meet the multifarious requirements of the people)
2. Production of larger volume per unit area/increasing the productivity of the forests
3. Production of quality timber
4. Reduction of rotation
5. Raising forests in blank areas/unproductive areas
6. Creation of man-made forests in place of natural forests
7. Introduction of exotics
8. Control of stand structure
9. Control of composition
10. Control of stand density
11. Conservation of site quality
12. Increase employment opportunities
13. Increase the production of fuel and fodder
14. Development of forest industries
15. Derive environmental benefits
16. Protection and reduction of losses