The indirect benefits of forests are difficult to calculate in monetary terms. And humans often don't see it as beneficial. But they are very important as well as direct benefits, indirect benefits of forests include
1) Forests keep water flowing regularly throughout the year. and good quality This is because the trees in the forest absorb water when it rains and makes it gradually fall. Seeps into the ground and collects water underground. Then slowly released into the stream.
2) Alleviate the severity of storm winds Forests act as a screen to reduce the speed of storm winds. How much can they block them? It depends on the height, density of the trees and the canopy of each type of plant and how dense it is. Windbreaks of trees 2 feet above the ground can reduce the speed of storm winds to only 20 percent, and windbreaks can block winds equivalent to 20 - 25 times the height of the trees in the field. downwind and 3 times on the leeward side (Allen,1959 cited by Niwat, 2005)
3) Prevent soil erosion The forest canopy blocks the intensity of the rain from directly impacting the soil surface. Some of the water will remain in the canopy of the tree. Some will flow along the trunk. Some will fall through the canopy and onto the forest floor. The forest floor often has leaves and various remains. Both plants and animals absorb rainwater and slow down the speed of runoff. Reducing soil erosion In addition, forest soil is usually good soil with high organic matter. It has good water absorption, so a lot of water can absorb into the soil. Reduces water runoff.
4) Flood relief Deforestation in addition to causing soil erosion. It also causes the amount of water flowing into rivers and streams to increase within a short period of time. And the water that flows will be thick and turbid because it is filled with gravel, sand, and various sediments. When flowing down to the river It makes the water level in that river. If the river banks overflow, it will cause a flood, destroying farms and gardens. and houses on both sides of the river To cause damage, rocks, gravel, sand, and sediment carried by the water will erode the river bank or cause the water stream to change direction and make the river shallow quickly. When a river becomes shallow, its capacity will inevitably decrease. When there is rain and only a small amount of water flows, flooding can easily occur. and happens often
5) It is a habitat for wild animals. Forests are a habitat for various types of wild animals. that humans use as food It's clothing. and various appliances Some wild animals are useful for scientific and medical research. Some birds and insects are useful for destroying pests and helping to maintain the balance of nature. Without forests, wild animals may become extinct. Because there will be no habitat or food source. In addition, wild animals are a resource for tourism and nature study. which will be one source of income for the country
6) It is a place to relax. Some forests have beautiful scenery, calmness, coolness, and fresh air. Therefore, it is a source for recreation and tourist attractions for people. Especially people who live in cities that have stressful careers need rest to relieve stress. The government provides forest retreats in the form of national forest parks.
7) Forest provides moisture. Forests contribute to increased rainfall and consistent moisture in the air. Forests have an influence on increasing rainfall in specific areas but not in general. This is because the air above the area where the forest grows is moist. And it's cooler in places where there aren't any forests. Rain clouds that float past when hit by the cold will condense into water droplets that fall as rain. air humidity Usually, places with forests are cooler than open spaces. And there is a lot of water vapor from the dehydration of the trees. There is also no strong wind within the forest. As a result, the humidity of the air within the forest is approximately 11 percent higher than in the open air. When in the forest, one feels moist and cool. Not very hot in summer And it's not very cold in winter.
8) It is a source of biodiversity. Forests are a source of biodiversity, both plants and animals, which will be the genetic source of important living things that will be the capital for the country's economic and social development.
9) Maintain air quality Trees in the forest help absorb dust. Absorbs polluted gases create oxygen Therefore making the air pure
10) Forests help maintain the temperature. The shade of the trees Helps reduce temperatures, reducing energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution at the same time.