African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (4), pp. 001-008, April, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Use of mathematical models in forestry: Evaluation of ProFor model in three main forestry regions of South Africa

D. J. Kachamba^1*, A. Rozanov¹, P. A. Ackerman¹ and D. Matthies²

¹Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.

²Technical University Munich, Am Hochanger 13, 85354,Freising. Germany.

Accepted 18 November, 2018

Abstract

Timber harvesting operations in plantation forestry in South Africa are rapidly being mechanised. However, machine movement in forest plantations may negatively affect soil quality. The forestry industry is introducing mathematical models to enable it address, limit or at least predict soil damage. One of these mathematical models is the “ProFor” model. The study was conducted in four harvesting sites namely KwaZulu Natal; Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. The impact of mechanised harvesting equipment on soil quality was assessed by observing changes in soil bulk density and critical soil water content. The changes in soil physical properties were then compared with ProFor’s predictions. The results indicated that ProFor gave valid predictions for critical soil moisture content in most of the study sites. However, for observed increases in bulk density, ProFor predictions of soil damage were invalid (r² = - 0.1). The model can be adopted by the South African forestry industry for tactical planning of forest harvesting operations. Additionally, ProFor can be of even more use if a separate algorithm is developed to be used for the prediction of soil compaction which is a common hazard in South African forestry.

Key words: Bulk density, forest harvesting, ProFor, soil compaction.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Phenotypic stability of Acer pseudoplatanus cv Atropurpureum traits as a baseline of breeding process

Mirjana Šija i -Nikoli¹, Jelena Milovanovi²* and Radmila Kneževi¹

¹Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia.

²Faculty of Applied Ecology “Futura“ University “Singidunum", Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 12a, 11070 New Belgrade Serbia.

Accepted 17 September, 2018

Abstract

Aiming at the conservation and improvement of valuable traits and intensified production of Acer pseudoplatanus cv Atropurpureum planting material for domestic and foreign market, a series of experiments was established to monitor the phenotype expression and stability of the character of purple leaf underside, the study results showed the continuous presence of the analysed character in the progeny of all mother trees, in higher or lower percentages, which can be used as a starting point for mass production of this cultivar, both by generative and vegetative methods.

Key words: cv Atropurpureum , expression, half-sib lines, phenotype stability, purple undersides, seedling production, sycamore maple.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2019.© International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Natural durability of heartwoods from European and tropical Africa trees exposed to marine conditions

Selim Şen¹*, Hüseyin Sivrikaya² and Mesut Yalçin¹

¹Duzce University, Faculty of Forestry, Forest Industrial Engineering, Konuralp Campus, 81620 Duzce - Turkey.

²Bartin University, Faculty of Forestry, 74100, Bartin, Turkey.

Accepted 04 January, 2019

Abstract

Marine durability of heartwoods obtained from tropical African and European species against marine borer attacks in underwater exposure in Turkish coasts was investigated. Test hangers including wood species of 18 European and 15 African wood species were fastened to test area and exposed at a depth of 6 m along the coasts of seas (East and West Black Sea, Marmara Sea, Aegean, East and West coasts of mediterranean in Turkey seashore). Most European wood samples suffered severe attacks from boring organisms. On the other hand, some tropical African species (Lophira alata, Nauclea diderichii, Tieghemella heckelii, Chlorophora excelsa, Distemonanthus benthamianus, Pterocarpus soyauxii and Millettia laurentii) showed high natural marine durability in all seas, while the rest of them were only slightly degraded by boring organisms. The test areas in Trabzon, Ereğli and İskenderun cities which are industrial harbours were shown to have the highest boring attacks. Other test areas, Bandırma, Alaçatı and Finike which are yacht marinas were shown to have little boring and fouling attacks.

Key words: Marine durability, tropical and European heartwoods, boring organisms.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry ISSN 2375-0979 Vol. 7 (1), pp. 001-005, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals 

Review

SALIX:  A viable option for phytoremediation

Bilal Ahmad Wani*, Amina Khan and R. H. Bodha

Wood Science Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar –190006, India.

Accepted 11 December, 2018

Abstract

Economic importance of SALIX is currently increasing and emerging in a wide array of practical applications to restore damaged ecosystems. SALIX spp which are characterized by particular physiological adaptations and ecological resilience are predisposed to use in conservation and environmental projects in many climatic zones and adverse micro site conditions. The present paper throw light on the current use of willows well beyond wetland and riparian situations such as in phytoremedation (phytoextraction, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration and phytostabilization) based on literature review.

Key words: Salix, phytoremedation, phytoextraction, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration, phytostabilization, ecosystem.