Growth performance, water use and wood properties of Eucalypt clones in Tanzania

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Date

2015

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Publisher

Sokoine University of Agriculture

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine growth performance, water use and wood properties of Eucalypt clones in Tanzania. Eucalypt clones of Eucalyptus grandis x E. camaldulensis (GC), E. grandis x E. urophylla (GU), E. grandis x E. tereticornis (GT) growing in Lushoto, Kwamarukanga, Kibaha and Tabora sites were studied. Growth performance, water use and wood properties data were collected at the age of 8 to 10 years. Data on growth performance were analysed using SAS Software and subjected to ANOVA using treatment means. Water use data were analysed using sap flow tool software. Wood properties data were analysed using SAS Software and subjected to ANOVA using treatment means. Significant clones’ means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results revealed significant (p<0.05) difference in survival, Dbh, height, basal area, volume and biomass between clones. Significant (p<0.05) difference in water use was observed between clones. Results revealed that GC167, GC15 and GC940 had average water uses of 14, 7 and 5 L day -1 respectively in wet season and 11, 9 and 8 L day -1 respectively in dry season. Significant (p<0.05) differences in fibre length, modulus of elasticity and shear strength were observed between clones from all sites. No significant differences between clones were observed in wood density, modulus of rupture, compression and cleavage strength. The study concludes that some Eucalypt clones showed good survival, growth, basal area, volume and biomass in respective sites. Wood properties for the studied clones meet the minimum requirements needed for pulp and paper production, fuel wood and for structural applications. This study recommended the following clones, GC 581, GC 584 and GU 608 for Lushoto, GC 15, GC 167 and GC 940 for Kibaha, GC 514, GT 529 and GC 940 for Kwamarukanga and GC 15, GC 584 and GC 940 for Tabora site to be considered for planting in areas with climatic conditions similar to the sites where they were tested. The clones should be considered as sources of raw material for pulp and paper production, charcoal, timber for furniture and for structural applications.

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Keywords

Growth performance, water use, wood properties, Eucalypt, Tanzania

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