Impact of logging practices on second-generation stand growth of Pinus patula at Sao hill forest plantation in Tanzania
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation
Abstract
Logging is a fundamental component of
forest management, facilitating the
establishment of new stands through the
removal of mature trees. However, logging
operations often induce substantial soil
disturbances, which may adversely affect
the growth of second-generation stands.
This study aimed to assess the impact of
logging on the growth of second-generation
Pinus patula stands at Sao Hill Plantation,
Tanzania (SHFP), specifically focusing on
the impacts of logging on stand growth and
forest soil. Six compartments, three from
each generation, representing stand ages of
1, 3, and 6 years, totaling 180 systematically
sampled plots, each measuring 20 x 20
meters. First- and second-generation stands
were treated as experimental groups. An
independent t-test was used to analyze the
impact of logging on stand growth across
generations. Stand growth parameters
including the number of stems, tree height,
and diameter at breast height (DBH)
decreased by 6.5% to 12.3% in secondgeneration
stands compared to firstgeneration
stands. Soil bulk density in
second-generation stand increased by 25.7%
and 26.2% in the top 10 cm and 20 cm of
soil, respectively, compared to the firstgeneration
stand. The findings emphasize
the critical role of adopting reduced-impact
logging techniques to minimize soil
compaction, thereby supporting the longterm
productivity.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Logging practices, Stand growth, Soil compaction, Second generation