scholarly journals Application of the BDq method to complex tropical mixed forest ecosystems in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 349 ◽  
pp. 41-54
Author(s):  
Friday Nwabueze OGANA ◽  
José Javier GORGOSO-VARELA ◽  
Alfred Ossai ONEFELI

The absence of management practice/silvicultural treatments in the complex tropical mixed forests of Nigeria has led to uncontrolled logging in natural forest stands and loss of biodiversity. To sustain production, protection and conservation in these complex tropical mixed stands, this study proposes the application of a selection method – the BDq method (B: basal area, D: maximum diameter, q-ratio) to manage these stands. Two strata were used as a pilot test: stratum 1 consisted of 15 plots and stratum 2 of 7 plots, each with an area of 0.25 ha. Only trees with a diameter at breast height (d) ≥ 10.0 cm were considered in this study. Harvesting with the BDq method was quantified, by setting B at 20 m2, 25 m2 and 30 m2/ha corresponding respectively to intensive, medium and light harvesting regimes. D was set at 65 cm and the q-ratio was computed for each plot. The results showed that the three BDq regimes prescribed (intensive, medium and light) yielded reasonable felling intensities (FI), derived as the percentage of extracted volume (Vext) and biomass (Wext). The Vext and FI for stratum 1 ranged from 39.94-62.30 m3/ha and 11.22-18.18%; the results for stratum 2 were 30.44-51.33 m3/ha and 10.02-17.57%. For biomass, the Wext and FI ranged from 18.46-29.82 t/ha and 9.40-15.95% for stratum 1 and 14.16-24.82 t/ha and 9.73-17.50% for stratum 2. These findings show that applying the BDq method to the complex tropical mixed forests of Nigeria would yield attractive stands.

2021 ◽  
Vol 349 ◽  
pp. postprint
Author(s):  
Friday Nwabueze OGANA ◽  
José Javier GORGOSO-VARELA ◽  
Alfred Ossai ONEFELI

The lack of management practice/silvicultural treatments in the complex tropical mixed forests of Nigeria has led to uncontrolled exploitation of natural forest stands and loss of biodiversity. To sustain production, protection and conservation in the complex tropical mixed stands, this study proposed the application of a selection method – the BDq (B: basal area, D: maximum diameter, q-ratio) method for the management of the stands. Two strata were used as a pilot test: stratum 1 consisted of 15 plots and stratum 2 comprised of 7 plots with a plot area of 0.25 ha. Only trees with diameter at breast (d) ≥ 10.0 cm were considered in this study. Harvest in the BDq method was quantified, by setting B at 20, 25 and 30 m2 ha-1 corresponding to heavy, medium and light-harvesting regimes, respectively. D was set at 65 cm and q-factor was computed for each plot. The results showed that the three BDq regimes (heavy, medium and light) prescribed yielded reasonable felling intensities (FI) derived as the percentage of extracted volume (Vext) and biomass (Wext). The Vext and FI for stratum 1 ranged from 39.94 – 62.30 m3 ha-1 and 11.22 – 18.18 %; and stratum 2 had 30.44 – 51.33 m3 ha-1 and 10.02 – 17.57 %. In the case of biomass, the Wext and FI for stratum 1 ranged from 18.46 – 29.82 tons ha-1 and 9.40 – 15.95 %; stratum 2: 14.16 – 24.82 tons ha-1 and 9.73 – 17.50 %. The finding shows that the application of BDq method to the complex tropical mixed forests in Nigeria would yield an attractive stand.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Caselli ◽  
Gabriel Ángel Loguercio ◽  
María Florencia Urretavizcaya ◽  
Guillermo Emilio Defossé

Abstract Leaf area is an important ecophysiological and silvicultural variable for quantifying the potential production of trees, since it can represent growing space occupancy. At the stand level in mixed forests, productivity is conditioned on how growing space is distributed among different components structure, such as species and strata. In complex structures, traditional forest variables (i.e., basal area) do not allow a good representation of the occupied growing space, whereas leaf area appears as a better indicator. Andean cypress and coihue beech are species of the Andean-Patagonian forests that grow in either pure or mixed stands, presenting high productive potential. The aim of this study was to develop, for each species, leaf area prediction functions through allometric relations and to evaluate the relation between leaf area, volume increment and growing space occupancy. For this purpose, we carried out destructive sampling of individuals of both species in mixed Andean cypress-coihue forests. Results for these species show that leaf area can be reliably estimated by using the models developed in this study. These models, based on sapwood area, tree diameter, and/or height measurements, explain at least 90 percent of variation in leaf area. The functions fitted are a fundamental tool to study the distribution of growth and to formulate management guidelines for mixed forests through the control of growing space occupancy using leaf area index.


Author(s):  
Kirsten Höwler ◽  
Torsten Vor ◽  
Peter Schall ◽  
Peter Annighöfer ◽  
Dominik Seidel ◽  
...  

AbstractResearch on mixed forests has mostly focused on tree growth and productivity, or resistance and resilience in changing climate conditions, but only rarely on the effects of tree species mixing on timber quality. In particular, it is still unclear whether the numerous positive effects of mixed forests on productivity and stability come at the expense of timber quality. In this study, we used photographs of sawn boards from 90 European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees of mixed and pure forest stands to analyze internal timber quality through the quality indicator knot surface that was quantitatively assessed using the software Datinf® Measure. We observed a decrease in knot surface with increasing distance from the pith as well as smaller values in the lower log sections. Regarding the influence of neighborhood species identity, we found only minor effects meaning that timber qualities in mixed stands of beech and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) tended to be slightly worse compared to pure beech stands.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2508
Author(s):  
Loredana Oreti ◽  
Diego Giuliarelli ◽  
Antonio Tomao ◽  
Anna Barbati

The importance of mixed forests is increasingly recognized on a scientific level, due to their greater productivity and efficiency in resource use, compared to pure stands. However, a reliable quantification of the actual spatial extent of mixed stands on a fine spatial scale is still lacking. Indeed, classification and mapping of mixed populations, especially with semi-automatic procedures, has been a challenging issue up to date. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) and Very-High-Resolution imagery (VHR) to detect and map mixed forests of broadleaves and coniferous trees with a Minimum Mapping Unit (MMU) of 500 m2. This study evaluates segmentation-based classification paired with non-parametric method K- nearest-neighbors (K-NN), trained with a dataset independent from the validation one. The forest area mapped as mixed forest canopies in the study area amounts to 11%, with an overall accuracy being equal to 85% and K of 0.78. Better levels of user and producer accuracies (85–93%) are reached in conifer and broadleaved dominated stands. The study findings demonstrate that the very high resolution images (0.20 m of spatial resolutions) can be reliably used to detect the fine-grained pattern of rare mixed forests, thus supporting the monitoring and management of forest resources also on fine spatial scales.


2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1433-1445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Larrieu ◽  
Alain Cabanettes

Because quantitative data on the distribution of whole microhabitat sets are still lacking to indirectly assess taxonomic biodiversity in forests, we studied the distribution of seven key microhabitat types in 10 montane European beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) – silver fir ( Abies alba Mill.) forests (Pyrénées, France) that had not been harvested for several decades. We examined 2105 live trees and 526 snags. Frequencies of cavities and dendrothelms were significantly higher on live beech than on fir. Sap runs were strictly found on live fir. Frequencies of cracks and saproxylic fungi were significantly higher on snags than on live trees. Seventy percent of live beeches but only 18% of firs carried one or more microhabitats. For both beech and fir and for each microhabitat type, we found, using the recursive partitioning method, one to three diameter thresholds that each corresponded to a significant change in the probability of microhabitat presence. When considering the whole microhabitat set, the most significant diameter thresholds were 42, 60, 73, and 89 cm for beech and 99 cm for fir. We suggest that forest managers conserve (i) mixed stands and (ii) beech with a diameter at breast height >90 cm and fir >100 cm. These rules should be adapted for each forest ecosystem.


1968 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Goossens

A precise method for the determination of the increment of the  basal area using the PressIer bore. Refering to  previous research showing that the basal area of the corsica pine could be  characterized by an ellips, we present in this paper a precise method for the  determination of the increment of the basal area. In this method we determine  the direction of the maximum diameter, we measure this diameter and we take a  core in one of the points of tangency of the caliper with the measured tree.  The determination of the diameter perpendicular to the maximum diameter  finishes the work wich is to be done in the forest. From the classical  measurements effectuated on the core and from the measured diameters we can  then determine the form (V) and the excentricity (e). Substituting these two  parameters in the formula 2 or 2', we can also calculate the error of a  radius measured on the core with respect to the representative radius, This  error with them allow us to correct the measured value of the minimum or the  maximum radius and we will be able to do a precise determination of the  increment.


1970 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Goossens

Contribution to the automation of the calculations involving  the forest inventory with the aid of an office computer - In this contribution an attempt was made to perform the  calculations involving the forest inventory by means of an office computer  Olivetti P203.     The general program (flowchart 1), identical for all tree species except  for the values of the different parameters, occupies the tracks A and B of a  magnetic card used with this computer. For each tree species one magnetic  card is required, while some supplementary cards are used for the  subroutines. The first subroutine (flowchart 1) enables us to preserve  temporarily the subtotals between two tree species (mixed stands) and so  called special or stand cards (SC). After the last tree species the totals  per ha are calculated and printed on the former, the average trees occuring  on the line below. Appendix 1 gives an example of a similar form resulting  from calculations involving a sampling in a mixed stand consisting of Oak  (code 11), Red oak (code 12), Japanese larch (code 24) and Beech (code 13).  On this form we find from the left to the right: the diameter class (m), the  number of trees per ha, the basal area (m2/ha), the current annual increment  of the basal area (m2/year/ha), current annual volume increment (m3/year/ha),  the volume (m3/ha) and the money value of the standing trees (Bfr/ha). On the  line before the last, the totals of the quantities mentioned above and of all  the tree species together are to be found. The last line gives a survey of  the average values dg, g, ig, ig, v and w.     Besides this form each stand or plot has a so-called 'stand card SC' on  wich the totals cited above as well as the area of the stand or the plot and  its code are stored. Similar 'stand card' may replace in many cases  completely the classical index cards; moreover they have the advantage that  the data can be entered directly into the computer so that further  calculations, classifications or tabling can be carried out by means of an  appropriate program or subroutine. The subroutine 2 (flowchart 2) illustrates  the use of similar cards for a series of stands or eventually a complete  forest, the real values of the different quantities above are calculated and  tabled (taking into account the area). At the same time the general totals  and the general mean values per ha, as well as the average trees are  calculated and printed. Appendix 2 represents a form resulting from such  calculations by means of subroutine 2.


1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 983-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Spiers ◽  
D. Gagnon ◽  
G. E. Nason ◽  
E. C. Packee ◽  
J. D. Lousier

The general ecology of an undescribed indigenous earthworm species in the Megascolecidae, found in the organic horizons of Podzolic soils under mixed stands of Tsugaheterophylla, Abiesamabilis, Thujaplicata, and Pseudotsugamenziesii, is described. The earthworm is a member of the genus Arctiostrotus. Over a range of sites, population numbers of earthworms were correlated to rooting concentration in and immediately below the mor humus. By micromorphological examination, earthworm casts were found to account for up to 60% by volume of the constituent solids of the organic horizons. The abundance of both fine roots and fungal hyphae in the worm casts suggested high nutrient availability. Analysis of fresh faecal material showed a marked increase in most important nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Na) relative to levels in noningested litter. Observations indicate that this earthworm species, whose population density may reach 200 m−2, has a major role in the decomposer subsystem of these ecosystems.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Ventosa

Abstract B. orellana is a small, bushy tree 2-8 m tall, with maximum diameter at breast height 10-30 cm (Hensleigh and Holaway, 1988). The main product is a non-toxic organic dye obtained from the fruits, known as annatto or bixin. This dye is used commercially in foods, cosmetics, textiles, polish, wax and stains; locally it is used as an insect repellent and as a body paint. The bark exudes a gum and contains fibres which may be twisted into a cordage; the seeds and leaves have medicinal properties (Lemmens and Wulijarni-Soetjipto, 1991; Anon, 1986). B. orellana originated in tropical America (Hensleigh and Holaway 1988) and is now widely planted and naturalized in the tropics (Quisumbing 1951; Backer and Brink, 1963; Quimbo, 1980; Lemmens and Wulijarni-Soetjipto, 1991). It is a light-demanding species and grows well in warm, humid climates which are free from frost and strong winds (Lemmens and Wulijarni-Soetjipto, 1991). This species requires uniformly distributed rainfall, unless the land is irrigated (Bayot, 1986). B. orellana is often intercropped with agricultural crops, and is also grown as an ornamental bushy tree. B. orellana may be propagated from seeds. The pods are harvested once they begin to show a tinge of red or when they begin to split (Hensleigh and Holaway, 1988). Average annual yields of dry seed have been reported as 4.5-5 kg/tree or about 350-700 kg/ha (Brown, 1957; Hensleigh and Holaway, 1988). Seeds are soaked in water or scarified in order to enhance germination, and may be planted in nursery beds or directly in the field. However, propagation from cuttings is often more favourable, as cuttings from high-yielding cultivars yields may bear fruit within two years (Lemmens and Wulijarni-Soetjipto, 1991). This species can also be propagated by air layering. B. orellana grows well without fertilizers, provided the young plants are weeded.


Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjie Yan ◽  
Mingpeng Xia ◽  
Shaohui Fan ◽  
Meichun Zhan ◽  
Fengying Guan

The growth of individual trees in a forest is affected by many factors, a crucial one being the intensity of competition among trees, because it affects the spatial structure of the forest and is in turn influenced by silvicultural practices. In a mixed forest in particular, the growth of trees is affected by multiple interactions. To analyse the competition between moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens (Pradelle) Mazel ex J.Houz.) and broad-leaved trees in a mixed forest, data were extracted by sampling six spots within such a forest using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The convex hull algorithm was used for calculating the overlap volume between the crowns of the broad-leaved trees and the bamboo canopy. Bamboos growing at least 3 m away from any of the broad-leaved trees were the most numerous and the diameter at breast height (DBH) is larger than those growing closer than that, which suggests that broad-leaved trees suppressed the growth of bamboo if they are closer but promote it beyond 3 m up to a point at which the distance is too great for any such effect. The modified Hegyi’s competition index was constructed based on the canopy factor, which may better describe the competitive interaction among the trees and bamboos. Using TLS can enhance our understanding of the competition among trees in mixed forests and help in planning the spatial structure of such forests in general and provide a benchmark for choosing planting distances in particular.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document