Classification

Based on mode of
regeneration

Clear Shelter-
felling wood
system system
Wedge
system
Contents:
• Definition
• General description
• History
• Objective
• Measure to be taken to promote regeneration
• Advantage
• Disadvantage
• Use
• Important tree sps where it is applied
DEFINITION
Wedge system is a form of
strip system , in which the
strip, instead of being at one
end of the cutting section, is
located in the middle of it with
its length running both the
directions.
 General description:
 In wedge system the strip does not run from
one end of the cutting section to another.
 It stops short of the windward side of the
cutting section.
 Such strips are usually 2 to 5 m wide and made
at intervals of 80m.
AS PER FIGURE—

In each compartment there is a long cutting edge under

regeneration
The haulage distance to the nearest cart track is short.
The northern side of the wedge is exposed to the sun.
HISTORY
 The wedge system or shelter-wood system
came into prominence in recent years.
 The idea was first put forward in 1903 by
OBERFORSTER EIFERT.
 The system was developed by Dr. EBERHARD in
Germany in 1922.
 On his Honour the system is referred as
EBERHARD’S WEDGE SYSTEM.
 Philip (1926) elaborated and systemized wedge
felling.
OBJECTIVES:-
 T o shorten the haulage distance to the nearest
road.
 To present a longer front to regeneration than in
the usual shelter-wood strip system and thus to
ensure greater elasticity, and , if necessary ,
greater speed, in the progress of the felling.
 To minimize damage from storms.
 To avoid damage to the young crop during
felling and extraction of timber.
Important measures taken to
promote regeneration
 Frequent light thinning throughout the life of
wood, increasing in frequency to interval of 1 to 3
years in later stages.
 The removal of raw humus or the working of soil,
where necessary in order to stimulate natural
regeneration.
 The rapid removal of old crop as soon as
regeneration appears in the area.
Advantage:-
 The long front exposed to regeneration enables
the old crop to remove rapidly.
 Extraction of timber can be carried out cheaply
and methodically.
 There is very little or no damage to young crop.
 Considerable reduction in damage by wind has
been claimed.
Disadvantage:-

 It is quite complicated to apply.

 The northern side of the wedge is exposed to
sun .
 In dry situation this might have an adverse
effect on natural regeneration.
Use :-
 Regions where wind is a problem.
 ex- coastal areas, desert areas, hilly region
 On level ground or gentle slopes.
 In India ,wedge system is not practiced
extensively as wind is not a big problem except
some areas.
Important species for which
wedge system is practiced
 Scot pine
 Silver fir
 Norway Spruce
 Other Broad leaved species