Analog Forestry

 

What is Analog Forestry?

Analog Forestry is a system which seeks to establish analog ecosystems with architectural structures and ecological functions similar to the original climax or sub climax vegetation. It also seeks to strengthen rural communities, socially as much as economically, through the use of species that provide commercial products.

Analog forestry is a complex and holistic form of agroforestry that seeks to maintain a functioning tree-dominated ecosystem while providing marketable products that can sustain rural communities, both socially and economically.

A certification system (Forest Garden Products) has been developed to market products derived from analog forestry, which is now recognized by the EU.

Read more about Analog Forestry, and a comparison with other widely known methodologies here.



Principles of Analog Forestry

Analog Forestry is based on the the following basic principles:

  • Observe and record
  • Understand and Evaluate
  • Know your land
  • Identify levels of yield
  • Map out flow and reservoir systems (existing and potential)
  • Reduce ratio of external energy in production
  • Be guided by landscape and neighbours needs
  • Follow ecological succession
  • Utilize ecological processes
  • Value Biodiversity
  • Respect Maturity
  • Respond Creatively

Methodology

Although context-specific, the general procedure for AF design can be mapped out as follows:

  • Physiognomic formula of the original ecosystem forest (natural or anthropogenic)
  • Physiognomic formula of the degraded area to be treated
  • Preliminary analysis of the gaps between the structure of the original forest and the parcel to be designed
  • Ecological Evaluation
  • Create landscape maps of surrounding areas including the following information:
    • Hydro-flow
    • Sun and wind direction
    • Topography and contour lines
    • Current land-use (anthropogenic intervention)
    • Vegetation map
    • Soil conditions
  • Mapping of the farm: similar to the above- including land-use, infrastructure and crops

Identify and prioritize treatment areas. For instance, examine the landscape maps ad determine which areas are most in need of restoration.

Next,

  • Consult our database variables – investigate various characteristics and functions of plant species according to the 37 variables used by the IAFN.
  • Perform a second Gap Analysis to choose species for application depending on the gap of the structure, and the priorities of the owner/designer according to objectives such as:
    • Self-sufficiency desires of the farmer
    • Conservation (carbon production)
    • Soil improvement
    • Hydro-flow improvement
    • Ecotourism
    • Farm Production (using a marketing analysis)
    • Restoration of biodiversity

Lastly, design a master plan of the farm with the species chosen according to the database information along with the objectives of the farmer, the gap analysis of the structure, bio-indicators of biodiversity, and production goals.

Simultaneously: development of a nursery, composting material for plantlets, selection of seeds and spatial placing of species in the nursery.