There is high deforestation and forest degradation estimated to be 400,000ha per annum between 1990 and 2013 in Tanzania forests. This is due to the increase in wood demand for energy and for industrial raw materials. The study was conducted to assess forest condition of Sokoine University of Agriculture - Kitulangalo Forest Reserve (SUA KFR). A total of 52 nested circular plots with radii of 2, 5, 10, and 15 m were used to collect data such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height and number of regenerants. Parameters computed for data analsysis were stem per ha (N), number of regenerants, dominant tree species, exotic species, basal area per ha (G) and volume (standing and removed) per ha (V). A total of 71 tree species were identified and recorded during inventory, the average 995±256 stems/ha of different tree species of various DBH class, the average basal area per ha, G=7.961268±0.8 m2/ha and the mean standing total volume, 54.72914±11.3 m3/ha were also computed. The mean total volume removed is 0.58 m3 per ha which is very small compared to stocking. The dominant tree (richness) species includes Julbernardia globiflora (17%), Brachystegia speciformis (8%), Acacia nigrescens (7%), Acacia robusta (6%), Albizzia harveyi (5%), Scierocaryabirrea spp/ Caffra (5%) and others i.e total of all <5% (52%). The conducted inventory shown that there is an average of 6121±2777regenerants per ha. Only Senna siamea was identified as exotic species which planted beside the forest boundary as a demarcation. In general, forest structure parameters indicate that SUA KFR is in a good condition as have high species richness and stem density per ha. We recommend more research on assessing forest condition in other forests in order to be aware with their status and look forward for the proper management measures.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Materials and methods
2.1 Study site
2.2 Data collection
2.3 Distance between transects and between plots
2.4 Allocation of sample plots
2.5 Trees parameters measured and other forest resources
2.6 Data analysis
3. Results and Discussion
3.1 Tree species composition at SUA-KFR
3.2 Number of stems per hectare (N)
3.3 Stand basal per ha (G)
3.4 Total standing volume per hectare (V)
3.5 Volume for removed trees (V)
3.6 Species dominance (richness and abundance) at SUA-KFR
3.7 Regeneration potential
3.8 Exotic species
4. Conclusion and recommendation
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to assess the forest condition of the Sokoine University of Agriculture - Kitulangalo Forest Reserve (SUA-KFR) in Tanzania by quantifying key forest structure parameters and evaluating the current health and status of the Miombo woodland ecosystem.
- Analysis of tree species composition and diversity within the reserve.
- Quantification of stand density, basal area, and total standing volume.
- Evaluation of forest disturbance levels through an assessment of removed tree volume and stump analysis.
- Assessment of regeneration potential to determine the forest's capacity for recovery and sustainability.
- Identification and mapping of dominant tree species and exotic vegetation presence.
Excerpt from the Book
Regeneration potential
The conducted inventory shows that there was 6121±2777regenerants per ha in SUA – KFR. The high number of regenerants in the public lands may be explained by disturbances on forest vegetation. Miombo species regenerate largely through coppice re-growth and root suckers rather than seeds, (Robertson, 1984 in Campbell, 1996). Chidumayo (1988) observed that stumps of miombo woodland have the ability to produce root suckers. Although seeds of majority of miombo trees and shrubs also germinate immediately after dispersal when there is enough moisture.tree density in re-growth of miombo woodland decreases with time due to moisture and heat stress. Shoot die-backs for cost miombo seedlings is common due to water stress and fire
Most regenerants die due to fire; this was investigated during inventory as a result very few saplings survive the miombo stresses. Fire had earlier mentioned by Kiellend-Lund, (1994) as the major cause of tree mortality in miombo woodlands. On other hand, fire was found to be the major ecological factors, which lead to development of miombo woodland (Lawton 1978). The impact of fire on miombo depends on time and frequency of burning and on the flammable biomass. Burning experiment in Ndola (Zambia) from 1933 Trapbell (1959) reported that repeated late and hot fires may destroy the woodland. About 50% of the trees died after 11 years of late fires. While early burning allowed maintained regeneration, complete protection leads to the development of a more closed partly evergreen forest.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Provides a geographical and ecological overview of the Miombo woodlands, emphasizing their importance, existing threats such as deforestation, and the specific context of the SUA-KFR reserve.
Materials and methods: Describes the location of the study site and the systematic sampling design, including the use of concentric circular plots to collect dendrometric data and analyze forest parameters.
Results and Discussion: Presents the findings regarding tree species composition, stand density, basal area, volume, regeneration success, and the impact of human activities and natural factors on the forest structure.
Conclusion and recommendation: Summarizes the current good condition of the forest based on calculated parameters and calls for further research and the implementation of proper management measures to preserve the ecosystem.
Keywords
forest, condition, miombo, stem per ha, basal area per ha, volume, regeneration, sustainability, deforestation, biodiversity, SUA-KFR, Tanzania, woodland, inventory, conservation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study focuses on assessing the forest condition of the SUA-Kitulangalo Forest Reserve in Tanzania, specifically examining parameters like stem density, basal area, and standing volume.
What are the primary thematic fields covered in this document?
The research covers forest inventory, woodland ecology, regeneration dynamics, the impact of disturbances like fire and illegal harvesting, and biodiversity assessment in the Miombo ecosystem.
What is the main goal or the primary research question of the work?
The primary goal is to evaluate the status of the SUA-KFR to provide data that can help in developing appropriate management measures for the benefit of present and future generations.
Which scientific methodology was applied during the study?
The researchers utilized a systematic sampling design with 52 nested circular plots, measuring diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and regenerants to compute forest parameters.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body details the study site characteristics, data collection techniques, findings on tree composition, stand parameters, regeneration potential, and the impact of fires and human activities.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Miombo, forest condition, stem density, basal area, volume, regeneration, biodiversity, and forest management.
How does the regeneration of Miombo woodland species typically occur?
Regeneration in Miombo woodlands occurs largely through coppice re-growth and root suckers rather than seeds, which is an adaptation to natural disturbances and fire stress.
What role does fire play in the SUA-KFR forest?
Fire is a characteristic feature of the Miombo woodland; while it can lead to regeneration, frequent late and hot fires cause significant tree mortality and shoot die-backs.
Why were the observed stem density results different from other studies?
The authors suggest that the differences are due to factors like sampling intensity (0.6%), limited financial and human resources, and previous disturbances in the forest area.
- Quote paper
- Paulo Lyimo (Author), Salim Shaaban (Author), 2015, Assessment of Forest condition at SUA-Kitulangalo forest reserve in Tanzania Miombo Woodland, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/288083
