Plantation forestry – timber stock, CO₂ absorption and sustainable harvesting

Design & TechnologyAgriculture, Forestry & AquacultureAges 12–13

One hectare of plantation forest is tracked over 30 years: the trees grow, the timber stock increases according to each species' growth pattern, and canopy cover and CO₂ absorption increase along with it. The student chooses the tree species, planting density, harvesting method (selective, progressive, or clear-cut) and harvest cycle, then clicks Run to watch the stock-over-time graph, or clicks Harvest Now and Replant. The simulation compares cumulative timber yield between sustainable harvesting and overharvesting, which degrades the forest and causes soil erosion.