This course examines the part trees can play in both sustainable agricultural (Module 1) and urban systems (Module 2). Forestry is viewed in all its roles in both systems.  In Module 1, agricultural roles include wood production, non-wood products and less tangible benefits such as biodiversity conservation, aesthetics and capital gains. Forestry is considered as part of the farm enterprise, within the economic and social dimensions of farm forestry; trees are examined as an integral part of the farming systems, and the ecological and environmental dimensions of farm forestry are analysed; diagnosis and design is demonstrated as an assessment and planning tool; agroforestry and farm forestry systems and practices for production, conservation and rehabilitation are developed; and, products from farm forestry, their processing and markets conclude the module. In Module 2 the goal is to promote an understanding of the inter-relationships between urban trees and people, of trees and the physical and chemical environment of the urban landscape, and of trees with native and exotic fauna. Specifically, the module examines the uniqueness of the urban forest and the physical and social roles and functions of trees in urban landscapes. Topics discussed include matching species to the urban environment and assessing their performance and capacity to ameliorate that environment; the role of urban trees to provide for local fauna; and the methodologies used in urban tree management and the social values and valuations applied to the urban tree and treed landscapes.

General science knowledge. 

Abel, N. et al. 1997, Design Principles for Farm Forestry, RIRDC.

Race, D. (ed.) 1993, Agroforestry: trees for productive farming, Agmedia.

Vanclay, F. & G. Lawrence., 1996, The Environmental Imperative, CQU Press.