Which practice involves applying selective herbicides to manage competing plants?

The practice of applying selective herbicides to manage competing plants is known as release. This method is specifically designed to enhance the growth and development of desirable tree species by selectively targeting and controlling unwanted vegetation. By using herbicides that selectively affect certain plants while leaving others unharmed, foresters can improve the overall health and growth rates of the target species, thus facilitating a more effective and sustainable forest management approach.

In the context of forestry, release is often used in young stands where competition from grasses or other shrubs may hinder the growth of newly planted or naturally regenerated trees. This targeted approach helps ensure that the chosen species receive adequate light, nutrients, and space needed for optimal growth.

Other choices focus on different aspects of forest management. Desiccation involves drying out plant material, which does not specifically target competing vegetation. Timber stand improvement refers to a broader range of practices aimed at enhancing the quality and value of a timber stand, which may or may not include herbicide application. Chemical precommercial thinning is a specific method used to thin stands that are not yet mature for harvesting but does not exclusively aim to selectively manage competition in the same targeted way as release.