Ecology and Biogeography of Pinus [Paperback]

A comprehensive review essential for all involved in the management of natural and planted pine forests.Pines are the most important group of trees in the world, occurring over large parts of the northern hemisphere, often forming the dominant vegetation cover. They play an important role in their ecosystems and provide a valuable source of fibre, timber and various other products for human use. This volume brings together contributions from 40 of the world's foremost authorities on this important genus to provide a comprehensive review essential for all concerned with the management of natural and planted pine forests.Pines are the most important group of trees in the world, occurring over large parts of the northern hemisphere, often forming the dominant vegetation cover. They play an important role in their ecosystems and provide a valuable source of fibre, timber and various other products for human use. This volume brings together contributions from 40 of the world's foremost authorities on this important genus to provide a comprehensive review essential for all concerned with the management of natural and planted pine forests.Pinus is a remarkable genus of trees with a very large distribution range in the northern hemisphere. Where they occur, pines usually form the dominant vegetation cover and are extremely important components of ecosystems. They also provide a wide range of products for human use. In many cases exploitation and other human pressures are threatening the survival of natural pine forests, although pines are also widely grown in commercial plantations, both within and outside their natural range. This book presents a definitive review of pine ecology and biogeography written by forty of the world's leading authorities on this important genus. In the face of increasing human pressure and global climate change, it provides an essential source of reference for all those concerned with the management of natural and planted pine forests.Part I. Intlc(