Showing papers in "International Tree Crops Journal in 1987"

Fuelwood value index of indian mountain tree species

Abstract: SUMMARY A Fuelwood Value Index (FVI) was defined as (Calorific Value × Density)/(Ash Content × Water Content) to identify trees with potential for fuelwood production. The woods of forty four Indian mountain tree species were tested and their FVI calculated. The most promising species were Punica granatum, Sapindus mukorossi, Rhododendron arboreum, Quer cus spp., Adina cor difolia, Ougeinia dalbergioides and Pyrus pashia.

Studies on the allelopathic effects of some agroforestry tree crops

Abstract: SUMMARY The allelopathic influence of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Casuarina equisetifolia and Leuceana leucocephala was tested by growing crops of sorghum, cowpea and sunflower on topsoil and rhizosphere soil from plantations of those trees or on field soil either mulched with dry leaves or irrigated with aqueous leaf extracts. Crop germination, root length and dry matter production were depressed. Maximum reductions were obtained with top soil and by the effect of eucalyptus. Sorghum proved most susceptible to these influences.

Developing improved methods of processing and utilization of kernels of irvingia gabonensis (var. gabonensis and var. excelsa)

Abstract: SUMMARY Kernels of two varieties of an economic farm tree Irvingia gabonensis, namely, var. gabonensis (ugiri) and var. excelsa (ogbono), were processed into flour after defatting. The kernels are the source of an important soup condiment and the fruit pulp of var. gabonensis is eaten when ripe. Samples were analysed for moisture and nutrient contents before and after 9 months shelf-life storage. A comparative sensory evaluation of both fresh and stored, defatted and undefatted samples was carried out using a seven point Hedonic scale. There was a marginal depreciation in proximate compositions after storage but this did not significantly affect nutritional status. Defatting significantly prolonged storability and preserved their taste, flavour, texture, colour, odour, drawability and general acceptability. Undefatted samples depreciated considerably when stored in ambient conditions for upwards of 6 months and were totally unacceptable after 9 months.

The benefits and potential risks of woody legume introductions.

Abstract: SUMMARY Woody members of the Leguminosae are being introduced and planted as exotics on an unprecedented scale throughout the tropics. These multiple-use trees have an important role in social forestry, agroforestry and land reclamation schemes. They are especially suited to planting on harsh degraded sites, being fast growing, readily established and managed. In many cases they fix nitrogen and improve the soil. Such introductions have not always been beneficial in the past since they caused many severe weediness problems that necessitated expensive control programmes. Poor performance and low species adaptability must also be regarded as costs. The biological factors which constitute the adaptive weedy syndrome are discussed and it is shown that some woody legumes exhibit particularly aggressive combinations of frequent early flowering, successful seed dispersal and seed longevity. It is shown that although plant biology may determine weediness potential, the actual perception of a plant as a weed or as...

Studies on the fermentation of seeds of the african oil bean tree (pentaclethra macrophylla)

Abstract: SUMMARY The paper describes the results of studies into changes in the sequence and populations of micro-organisms and the major chemical constituents of fermenting seeds of the African oil bean tree Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth. The main microflora isolated were Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus lactis, Candide tropicalis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Geotrichum candidum. Fermented oil bean seed is a good source of proteins and lipids and these organisms should not pose a serious hazard to human consumers if adequate hygiene precautions are taken during processing and fermentation.

Plantation forestry in the tropics – trends and prospects

Abstract: SUMMARY Greater changes have taken place in plantation forestry since the late 1970s than at any other time. The area of new planting is probably more than 1 million ha per annum: more than double the figure of 15 years ago but still only one tenth of the current rate of tropical deforestation. The bulk of new projects and initiatives now aim to meet social and environmental forestry objectives rather than industrial ones. Integration of forestry and farming (agroforestry) is now being widely evaluated. Arid zone planting, especially to meet fodder, firewood and fencing requirements, has greatly increased. Funding for plantation development has encouraged social forestry programmes as these are now accorded high priority by development banks and bilateral aid projects etc, and has been aided in the social forestry sector by greatly increased involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The rate of new planting must continue to increase and the priority of meeting social objectives maintained if i...

Studies on the germination of Erythrina abyssinica and Juniperus procera.

Abstract: SUMMARY Pre-treatment with either hot water or concentrated sulphuric acid was found to increase the rate of germination and percentage germination of Erythrina abyssinica (80–84% germination) and of Juniperus procera (68–78% germination) when measured 14 days after sowing With no treatment at all the percentage germination for both species was nil Fire scorching of Juniperus procera gave a lower percentage germination than the other two treatments (56–60% after 18 days) Hot water is recommended as a practical and effective pre-treatment for nurseries in rural areas

Edaphic component of the environmental degradation resulting from the replacement of tropical rain forest by field and tree crops in sw nigeria

Abstract: SUMMARY Mature tropical rain forest is in a state of dynamic equilibrium with its soil, micro-and macro-climate. Data collected in the cocoa producing areas of SW Nigeria show that when this forest is removed and replaced by field or tree crops, the balance between vegetation and soil breaks down, and this leads to instability and a considerable deterioration in soil quality. An index of soil deterioration was derived and showed the following percentage declines for field and tree crops respectively: bulk density, 28% and 31%; total porosity, 12% and 18%; pH, 16% and 13%; organic matter, 29% and 26%; nitrate nitrogen, 35% and 27%; available phosphorus, 19% and 19%; calcium, 24% and 41%; sodium, 50%, 50%; potassium, 27%, 43%; magnesium, 36%, 47%; cation exchange capacity, 36%, 34%; base saturation, 5.4%, 8.7%. This study is one of the first attempts to assess soil deterioration on peasant farmers' cocoa plots.

Tree planting by small farmers in upland watersheds: experience in central america

Abstract: SUMMARY An analysis of eleven cases of reforestation in Central America to identify factors encouraging small farmers to plant trees suggests that initial phases of future projects of this type should include at least the following features: selection and demonstration of species and techniques that can be readily incorporated into and enhance current farming practices and not compete for agricultural land; the use of species that grow faster than those known to farmers, provide multiple products, resist neglect and are easy to propagate and transport; an extension service that is personal and intensive with frequent follow-up visits, and coordination of agricultural and forestry extension work to ensure integration of tree planting with farming practices; starting on a modest scale, capable of detailed monitoring, with the aim of creating a few successful, highly visible demonstrations on the lands of more progressive (usually large) farmers; allowing at least two years before expecting any significant g...

Deforestation and progress in afforestation in Africa.

Abstract: SUMMARY Africa contains 703 million ha of forest, of which 69% is open savanna woodland. Deforestation rates between 1976 and 1980 in closed forest and open woodland were estimated at 1.333 and 2.345 million ha respectively. Deforestation leads to significant environmental impacts and economic implications in the form of shortages of fuel wood, fodder and food. To meet the anticipated deficit in fuelwood supplies by the end of the century would require an additional 35 million ha of intensive fuelwood plantations. Current planting rates are only one fortieth of target rates. Four main strategies are proposed for improving afforestation performance: a higher priority given to forestry by governments and aid agencies; a more integrated approach to forestry and agricultural development projects; more trained manpower in national forestry departments; and greater popular involvement in afforestation programmes.

Potentials for nitrogen fixing legume trees in the tropics.

Abstract: SUMMARY A number of important legume trees, particularly in the sub-family Caesalpinioideae, cannot nodulate. The occurrence of nodulation is discussed, especially in relation to the type of nodule produced and the problems which need to be solved before their nitrogen fixing potential can be optimized.

The effects of some methods of establishing gliricidia sepium on food crop performance, growth and survival rate of gliricidia

Abstract: SUMMARY Establishment of Gliricidia sepium with arable crops was studied in the Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria using the alley cropping system. Maize height, grain yield and percent ear leaf nutrient content were not adversely affected by gliricidia during the establishment phase. Application of nitrogenous fertilizer significantly increased maize grain yield and gliricidia growth rate but not the survival rate of gliricidia. There were no significant effects on the yield of rice or yam. Survival of gliricidia declined with time in all the establishment methods used and was closely related to the occurrence of rainfall, especially in the case of 0.5m cuttings. The use of longer 1.2m cuttings gave significantly higher survival rates during the dry season and appeared to be the best method of establishment when rainfall is erratic. It is concluded that when intercropping gliricidia with food crops it is safe to plant both at the same time.

A strategy to maintain tanzania's fuel wood supply

Abstract: SUMMARY Present fuelwood harvests in Tanzania exceed the long term allowable cut from indigenous forests. As long as fuelwood provides more than 90% of basic energy requirements national policy must provide for its continuous supply. A renewable resource policy should focus on three primary areas: improved efficiency in utilization of the existing fuelwood supply; an effective village afforestation programme; and improved management and protection of indigenous forests.

The impact of afforestation in the northern areas of nigeria

Abstract: SUMMARY Intensive trials of exotic tree species began in northern Nigeria in the early 1960's as part of an effort to meet demand for wood and minimise the effect of desertification. This paper reviews the growth rates achieved in trials of various species, the areas of plantations established and the effects of tree planting on some agricultural crops.

Physiology of ougeinia dalbergioides and its natural morphological variant. i. germination, growth behaviour and carbon dioxide exchange rate

Abstract: SUMMARY Ougeinia delbergioides Benth. has potential as a multi-purpose tree for production of fodder and fuel wood. Seeds remained viable for more than a year and showed 60–80% germination favoured by temperatures of around 30°C. Active growth is from May to September with average 0.4583 mg CO2 m-s1 net photosynthesis and about 0.005 mg CO2/mg H20 water use efficiency. Photosynthesis does not get saturated even at full sunlight of around 1900 μE m-2s. A natural morphological variant of the species was isolated with a higher rate of photosynthesis than the normal plant. However, it has poor water use efficiency and low light saturation.

Community forestry for the degraded, high rainfall tracts of peninsular India.

Abstract: SUMMARY A community forestry programme has been proposed to help to revegetate degraded hill tracts in the state of Karnataka. This would involve the active participation of owner farmers in raising plantations of trees to meet their requirements for fuelwood, fodder, green manure and small timber. This paper describes the results of preliminary trials, beginning in 1983, of 25 native and exotic species in 67 separate sites grouped into four main areas. On the basis of these trials recommendations are made concerning the species most suitable for extensive planting in each of the four areas.

The flow of benefits from the dhanori village woodlot scheme

Abstract: SUMMARY A 4 ha plantation was established in 1974 on community grazing land in the village of Dhanori in Gujarat as part of the state village forests scheme. Casuarina equisetifolia was planted because it suited the site and the villagers wanted it. The trees were felled in 1983–4 and the distribution of benefits determined by the village panchayat. the Internal Rate of Return was 38%. Villagers benefited from fuelwood and small timber for house construction and repair and from the employment generated. The success of the project led the village to organize itself into a Tree Growers Society and undertake further planting in 1984–86. The demonstrative effect of the woodlot led to 250 ha of other plantations being established in the area. The poor benefited considerably from the project but if they had a greater say in the deliberations of the panchayat the benefits could have been even greater.

Tree planting for rural people – involvement of non-governmental organizations

Abstract: SUMMARY The variety of tree planting activities of non governmental organizations (NGOs) at national, regional and local level in India is reviewed. Current constraints on these activities are identified and recommendations made for improving performance.

Locating the source of interference in agroforestry systems by multivariate analysis of crop response

Abstract: SUMMARY Univariate and multivariate analysis of the growth response of radish grown at various positions in a pear orchard and in sole cropped and controlled shade conditions were used to identify potential interference factors. The growth response of radish immediately adjacent to the pear trees was not found to be similar to controlled shade. Other (possibly soil) variables were implicated. Intercropped radish grown in positions furthest from the canopy were unaffected whilst radish planted in intermediate positions gave a similar response to that shown in moderate controlled shade. The multivariate method proved particularly useful as it was able to account for interactions between the response variables and showed their relative importance. This approach would be particularly useful in the study of tropical agroforestry systems where measuring instruments may not be readily available.