Importance of Forests - Productive, protective, Regulatory

IMPORTANCE OF FORESTS

Forest is the house to many living organisms. Forests are very important for mankind. The main functions of forests can be put into three categories Productive, Protective and Regulatory.

Productive Function of Forest Resources:-

Humans obtain several important products from the forests.

• Wood is obtained from trees, which is used as a fuel and for making paper and furniture.
• Match industry, Fibre Industry and Rubber Industry also depend on forest products.
• Medical plants such as Neem, Amla, Eucalyptus and Cinchona are also products of forests.
• Oils such as Khus, Screw Pine, Sandalwood are obtained from forests.
• Many food items such as fruits, seeds, spices, tea and coffee beans are also products obtained from the forests.

Protective Function of Forests:-

• Forests act as shelter for many organisms.
• Trees slow down the speed of wind, thus preventing soil erosion.
• Trees planted along roads and highways help to reduce air pollution caused by vehicles.
• Protection from solar radiation is also provided by forests.
• Forests conserve water by increasing infiltration, reducing soil erosion and decreasing sedimentation.

Regulatory Function of Forests:-

Forests play an important role to regulate the functioning of the ecosystem.

• Forests help in maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in atmosphere.
• They increase the humidity of air as they transpire large amounts of water vapour to the atmosphere. This regulates the temperature and the water cycle.
• Forests can hold a large amount of water, which helps to recharge groundwater, thus preventing droughts. Their water-holding capacity also keeps a check on floods.
• Due to a large area covered with vegetation, Forests prevent air pollution and global warming.