Growth and Productivity of Khaya Grandifoliola in the Dry Semi-Deciduous Forest Of Ghana: A Comparison in Pure Stands and in Mixed Stands
Loading...
Date
2012-07-15
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study was aimed at assessing the performance of one of the very important indigenous species, Khaya grandifoliola in pure or mixed stands as well as its performance to exotic tree species, Tectona grandis. The study was carried out in a four year old plantation in the Tain Tributaries Block II Forest Reserve which lies in dry semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The results from the study indicated that there was significant difference in diameter growth for Khaya grandifoliola in pure and in mixed stands with the pure stands presenting higher diameter growth of 9.15 cm and mixed stands of 7.81 cm. Khaya grandifoliola also recorded total height of 5.50 m and merchantable height 3.63 m in pure stands and in mixed stands Khaya grandifoliola produced total height of 5.04 m and merchantable height of 3.52 m. However, these values were not significantly different in both stands. Khaya grandifoliola performed better in pure than in mixed stands for basal area per hectare and total volume per hectare estimations. Consequently, Khaya grandifoliola accumulated more carbon in pure stands than in mixed stands. Overall, Khaya grandifoliola performed better in pure stands than in mixed stands. Khaya grandifoliola was more tolerant to pests’ attacks in mixed stands than in pure stands. Meanwhile there was no statistical difference in diameter growth between Khaya grandifoliola (9.15 cm) and Tectona grandis (9.61 cm) in pure stands. The values of total height, merchantable height and total volume were significantly higher for Tectona grandis. However, there was no significant difference between the two species with respect to basal area per hectare. Tectona grandis generally performed better than Khaya grandifoliola in pure stands.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Resources Management, October-2012