Which practice involves planting seedlings or direct seeding for reestablishing a forest?

Artificial regeneration is the practice involving the intentional planting of seedlings or direct seeding to reestablish a forest. This method is used when natural regeneration is insufficient or when specific species are desired to enhance biodiversity or meet management objectives.

In artificial regeneration, the forest manager actively intervenes in the establishment of trees, often selecting particular species that are well-suited to the site conditions, which aids in achieving desired outcomes such as increased growth rates, disease resistance, or aesthetics. This approach is especially critical in areas where forest cover has been significantly altered or where damage from natural disturbances, such as wildfires or pest infestations, has occurred.

By employing planting or direct seeding, artificial regeneration helps ensure that the forest can support wildlife, maintain ecosystem functions, and provide resources for human use in the future.