An introduction on forest is our lifeline.
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Forests are our lifeline. We all depend upon forests in some way or the other for survival. Forests provide us with fresh air to breathe, food, medicines, and other sources like wood, fodder and other raw materials for the industries. Forests prevent soil erosion and hold the earth firmly.
What is a Forest?
Forest is a dense land or a complex ecosystem consisting of rich biodiversity and supports a variety of life forms. The trees maintain the environment of the surroundings which in turn affects the plants and animals living in the forest. They are an important component of the environment that purify the air, cool the air during the day and act as excellent sound absorbers.
They can develop wherever the average temperature is more than 10°C in the warmest month with the average rainfall exceeding 200 mm annually.
India shares a history of traditional conservation and management of forests. The annual festival of tree plantation called Vanmahotsava was started by the Indian Government and was first implemented in the state of Gujarat.
Forest Floor
This is referred to as the ground level of the forest. The soil is shallow with microorganisms feeding on the dead and decaying organic matter. The moist and dark conditions are ideal for the decay of organic matter and nutrient absorption by the trees. Most of the heavyweight carnivorous and herbivorous animals are found in this layer.
Importance of Forest
There is numerous importance of the forest as it helps us by providing all the useful products which are required for our lives. Some of them are listed here.
Forests provide us with – Firewood, Timber, Wood pulp, Honey, lac, medicinal plants and herbs, raisin, biofertilizers, etc. Forests also supply us with the different types of raw materials for industrial uses, fodder for the animal’s feed, fuel, and fibres.
Along with these essential products, forests also play an important role in protecting our environment by:
Promoting rainfall.
Reduces noise pollution.
Maintains the ecological balance.
Acts as a wind barrier from heavy winds.
Provide moisture and lower the temperature.
Prevents flash floods by slowing down the movement of water.
Preventing soil erosion and preserve the fertility of the soil.
Maintains the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the environment.
Preserves the biodiversity by providing shelter for many creatures that depend on the forest for their survival.
Deforestation
The forests are being destroyed continuously to make the land available for other uses. Forests are the natural source of resources. With the advent of industrialization, forests have been constantly depleted for raw materials. Also with the rising population, there is competition for food and space. This had led to the depletion of forests on a large scale.
Deforestation has affected the climate and in turn our lives. There is a shortage of rainfall. The resources are also depleting rapidly and will not be available in future. The temperature is rising tremendously which has led to the melting of glaciers which has increased the water levels.
Explanation:
The importance of forests cannot be underestimated. We depend on forests for our survival, from the air we breathe to the wood we use. Besides providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans, forests also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and mitigate climate change.