Australia’s forests and forestry glossary

Burning strategic locations in the expected path of an approaching bushfire under controlled conditions, to reduce the fuel load available to that bushfire.

See Fuel-reduction burn, Planned fire.

A measure of stand density that sums the cross-sectional area of tree stems at breast height (1.3 metres above ground) in a given area of forest.

All biomass of live roots in the soil.

See Above-ground living biomass, Biomass.

The variety of all life forms, plants, animals and microorganisms, their genes, and the ecosystems they inhabit.

See Ecosystem diversity, Genetic diversity, Species diversity.

A form of energy derived from biomass, when biomass is used to generate electricity or heat or to produce fuels.

See Biofuel, Biomass.

An energy source made from organisms and their products (biomass) such as wood and plant matter, algae, or animal fats.

See Bioenergy.

Relating to the study of the geographic distribution of living things.

See Biodiversity.

1. Material of biological origin (plant or animal).

2. Living and dead organic material located above-ground and below-ground, for example trees, grasses, litter, roots and soil organic matter, often determined for the purposes of carbon accounting.

See Above-ground living biomass, Below-ground living biomass.

A large, regional ecological unit, usually defined by some dominant vegetation pattern.

A large, geographically distinct area that has a common climate, geology, landform, and vegetation and animal communities.

See IBRA.

The biological components of the environment (e.g. plants, animals and other organisms).

Referring to biota.

See Biota.

The main stem of a tree.

Log taken from a tree trunk between the ground and the crown break (the height of the first major branch). In mature trees comprises the yield for sustainable yield calculations.

See Crown (tree).

Volume of a bole log.

Forests found in the colder regions of the northern hemisphere, north of regions in which temperate forests grow, and dominated by coniferous trees such as pine, spruce and larch.

See Subtropical forest, Temperate forest, Tropical forest.

Clearing of large tracts of native vegetation.

See Deforestation, Forest clearing, Land clearing.

A strip or area of land where disturbance is not permitted or is minimised, and which serves to mitigate impacts on adjacent land or water. Buffer areas can be found around protected areas, along roads or along watercourses.

See Disturbance, Filter strip, Protected area.

Fire started naturally (such as by lightning), accidentally, or deliberately (such as by arson), but not in accordance with planned fire management prescriptions. Also called unplanned fire or wildfire.

See Unplanned fire.

A general term in Australia for natural vegetation, covering any kind of habitat from open, shrubby country with scattered trees, to tall, closed forests.