PAPER TITLE :APPLICATION OF DEVELOPED CROWN-BOLE DIAMETER MODEL TO STAND DENSITY AND STOCK CONTROL ON OPEN GROWN TREES OF PROSOPIS AFRICANA (GUILL & PERR) TAUB

APPLIED TROPICAL AGRICULTURE | VOLUME 24 NUMBER 2 2019

Paper Details

  • Author(s) : Amonum J. I. and Japheth, H. D
  • Abstract:

At present, there is no work on the applications of developed model to stand density and stock control on natural stands of P. africana trees in University of Agriculture Makurdi in Nigeria. The species numbers are threatened, because farmers and foresters do not actively raise the tree species as plantation. Livestock, fire, and anthropogenic are few factors that limit the success of natural regeneration and is facing regeneration problem. This have led to the species declining in the natural forest areas and the loss of biological values (genetic hereditary). Eighteen temporary sample plots sizes 50 x 50 meters were randomly laid. Simple random sampling design was adopted to collect data (tree diameter at breast height (dbh)) on each of the sample plots. Dbh was used to estimate crown diameter using a developed simple linear crown-bole diameter model. Based on the data collected in the study area, P. africana trees had bole diameters which ranged from 16.7 to 8.77 (cm); most of the trees (42%) had dbh size between 10 to 20.99 cm. Nine percent (9%) of the trees had dbh size between 41 cm and above. Crown diameter distribution ranged between 2.00 to 9.40 m; and most of the trees (53%) had crown diameter sizes between 2 to 5.04 m. As stem and crown diameters increases, silvicultural practices such as thinning can be applied to create more spacing until merchantable timber size is achieved. This study would serve as a guide for stand density and stocking control in natural stands for sustainable forest management.