Forestry Glossary : M

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Mature

In even-aged management, those trees or stands that are sufficiently developed to be harvestable and that are at or near rotation age (includes overmature trees and stands for which an overmature class has not been recognised).

Mature Tree

A tree that has reached maximum development before loss of vigor starts due to its age. Size and age will vary considerably depending on the species and site.

Maturity Class

Trees or stands grouped according to their stage of development, from establishment to suitability for harvest. A maturity class may comprise one or more age classes.

Mechanical Thinning

see Thinning: mechanical

Mensuration

That phase of forestry that deals with the measurement of present and future volume, growth, and development of individual trees and stands and their products or values, such as timber and wildlife populations.

Merchantable

Of a tree or stand that has attained sufficient size, quality, and/or volume to make it suitable for harvesting. Does not imply accessibility, economic or otherwise.

Merchantable Timber

That portion of a tree/forest which is marketable under specified economic conditions.

Microsite

The ultimate unit of the habitat, i.e., the specific spot occupied by an individual organism. By extension, the more or less specialised relationships existing between an organism and its environment.

Mixed Stand

A stand composed of two or more species in which less than 80% of trees in the main crown canopy are of a single species. (The threshold in Manitoba is 75%.)

Mixed Wood(s)

1. Trees belonging to either of the botanical groups Gymnospermae or Angiospermae and which are substantially intermingled in stands. Also, the wood of such trees mixed together in substantial quantities.

2. A forest type in which 26-75% of the canopy is softwood.

Monoculture

Cultivation of a single crop or product.

Mortality

Death or destruction of forest trees as a result of competition, disease, insect damage, drought, wind, fire, old age, and other factors, excluding harvesting.