The alarming depletion rate of Ghana’s forests has become one major challenge facing the wood related industries, foresters and environmentalists. This is because, depletion of forest and wood lands do not only affect industrial and economic growth negatively, but also disturbs the whole forest ecosystem. The depletion rate has largely been attributed to the practice of extracting only the stemwoods of trees felled, to meet demand for wood and leading to continuous felling of trees. Branchwood is viewed as one possible supplement to stemwoods, and when extracted for use, can help reduce the extinction rate and subsequently help to preserve the forests and the environment. This study was conducted to ascertain the quantity of merchantable branchwood left in Ghana’s forests, after logging operations, to suggest a possible commercial conversion to supplement stemwood. Data was gathered from four natural forest reserves in three ecological zones. Volumes of merchantable branchwoods on 106 felled trees were computed using Smalian’s equation. These trees were sampled based on accessibility to their branches. Two diameters at each end (ranged from 18cm and 90cm) and one length of each branchwood were measured for volumes computations. Branchwwood volumes of individual trees and those of same species were tallied and their means determined. Results indicated that, merchantable branchwood volumes ranged from 2.302% (Pterygota macrocarpa) to 63.841% (Khaya spp.) of their extracted stemwood volumes. However, the overall average merchantable branchwood volume was found to be 28.602% of the total extracted stemwood volume from the 106 trees. This percentage translates into preserving or conserving about 6 hectares of forest land area, should branchwood be extracted for use. It was concluded that, the average branchwood volume is substantial enough for commercial lumber production to supplement stemwood and help reduce the high depletion rate.
| Published in | American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry (Volume 1, Issue 2) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12 |
| Page(s) | 32-39 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Ghana’s Forests Ecosystem, Depletion Rate, Stemwood, Merchantable Branchwood, Smalian’s Equation
| [1] | R. Okai, Can Logging Residue be used to help meet timber demands for the downstream processing sector? In: Proceedings of the XII FAO World Forestry Congress, Quebec City, Canada, 2003. http//:www.fao.org/docrep/ARTICLE/WFC/XII/0236-B4 HTM. |
| [2] | Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Environmental Benefits of Wood Products, Oregon Forest Resources Institute, 317 SW Sixth Ave., Suite 400, Portland, Oregon. U.S.A., 2011. pp.2-7. |
| [3] | A. L. Antwi, What We Have; Our Forest Heritage, in Workshop for Media Personnel on Forestry and Wildlife Reporting Proceedings, Department of Silviculture and Forest Management-FRNR-KNUST, Kumasi. Ghana, 1999. pp.24-29. |
| [4] | J. A. Walton, Woodwork in Theory and Practice, 5th Edition, The Australian Publishing Co. Pty Ltd., Sydney. Australia, 1974. 472 pp. |
| [5] | Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Draft -Ghana-Forest Investment Program (FIP) Plan, March 2012. pp. 5-66. |
| [6] | J. G. Haygreen, and J. L. Bowyer, Forest Products and Wood Science-An Introduction, 3rd Edition, IOWA State University Press, Ames.U.S.A., 1996. 485pp. |
| [7] | FAO, 2009, In; M. Amoah, Appiah-Yeboahand, J., and Okai, R., Characterization of physical and mechnainical properties of Branch, Stem and Root Wood of Iroko and Emire tropical trees, Research J. of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 4 No. 12, 2012. pp. 1754-1760. |
| [8] | J. Ayarkwa, Y. Hirashima, and Y. Sasaki, Effects of Finger Geometry and end Pressure on the Flexural Properties of Finger-Jointed Tropical African Hardwoods, Forest Products Journal, Vol.50 No. 11/12, 2000. pp. 53-63. |
| [9] | M. Cionca, L. Badescu, O. Zeleniuc, and A. Olarescu, Eco-design approach. A research regarding the potential use of branches in new wooden products. Poster presentation, In Proc. International Conference on Environmentally Compatible Forest Products. ECOWOOD, 20-22 Sept. Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal, 2006. pp. 107-110. |
| [10] | H. M. El-Lakany, 2004. In; R. A. Sedjo, Towards commercialization of genetically engineered forests: Economic and social considerations, Resources for the future, Washington D.C., 2006. 45pp. http//www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-Rpt-commercializationGEForest.pdf. (Accessed 6th May, 2013. |
| [11] | M. Hilton, 2001. In; L. Gurau, M. Cionca, H. Mansfield-Williams, G. Sawyer, and O. Zeleniuc, Comparison of the Mechanical Properties of Branch and Stem Wood for Three Species; in Wood and Fibre Science, Vol. 40 No.4, Society of Wood Science and Technology. U.K., 2008. pp. 647-656. |
| [12] | M. Amoah, 2008. In; M. Amoah, J. Appiah-Yeboahand, and R. Okai, Characterization of physical and mechnainical properties of Branch, Stem and Root Wood of Iroko and Emire tropical trees, Research Journal of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 4 No.12, 2012. pp. 1754-1760. |
| [13] | R. Okai, A study on the milling and strength properties of branchwood, Fellowship Report. In; ITTO Tropical Forest Update Vol.12 No. 1, 2002. pp.24-25. www.itto.int/direct/topics/topics_pdf_download/topics_id=1630000&no=1. (Accessed, 15th March, 2012). |
| [14] | M. Amoah, and G. Becker, Assessment of logging efficiency and development of Allometric Models for predicting stumpage volume of some commercial tree species in Ghana. International Forest Review, Vol. 11 No.1, 2009. pp.1-11. |
| [15] | R. Okai, K. Frimpong-Mensah, and D. Yeboah, Characterization of strength properties of branchwod and stem wood of some tropical hardwood species, Wood Science and Technology Vol. 38, 2004. pp. 163-171. |
| [16] | M. Amoah, J. Appiah-Yeboahand, and R. Okai, Characterization of physical and mechnainical properties of Branch, Stem and Root Wood of Iroko and Emire tropical trees, Research Journal of Applied.Science, Engineering and Technology, Vol. 4 No.12, 2012. pp. 1754-1760. |
| [17] | Society of American Foresters, Dictionary of Forestry in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 1998. http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/logging, (Accessed 5th May, 2013). |
| [18] | N.H. Pillsbury, and D.R. Pryor, Volume equations for young growth Softwood and Hardwood species at BOGGS Mountain Demonstration State Forest. Natural Resource Management Department, California Polytechnic State University. San Luis Obispo, 1989. 31pp. |
| [19] | C. Dean, Calculation of wood volume and stem taper using Terrestrial Single-Image Close-Range Photogrammetory and contemporary software tools, Silva Fennica Vol. 37 No. 3, 2003. pp. 359-380. |
| [20] | L. Gurau, M. Cionca, H. Mansfield-Williams, G. Sawyer, and O. Zeleniuc, Comparison of the Mechanical Properties of Branch and Stem Wood for Three Species; In Wood and Fibre Science Vol. 40 No. 4, Society of Wood Science and Technology, U.K., 2008. pp. 647-656. |
| [21] | Ministry of Forests, Lands and NRO, Scaling Manual, 2011. http;//www.for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/hva/chapter 4. (Accessed 8th November, 2012). |
| [22] | G. Pleydell, Tropical Timbers of Ghana, Timber Exports Development Board, Takoradi. Ghana, 1994. 86 pp. |
| [23] | J. A. Corrals-Rivas, M. Barrio-Anta, O. A. Aguirre-Calderon, and U. Diéguez, 2007, In: M. Amoah, and G. Becker, Assessment of logging efficiency and development of Allometric Models for predicting stumpage volume of some commercial tree species in Ghana. International Forest Review, Vol. 11, No.1, 2009. pp. 1-11. |
| [24] | P.R. Larson, 1963., In: M. Amoah, and G. Becker, Assessment of logging efficiency and development of Allometric Models for predicting stumpage volume of some commercial tree species in Ghana. International Forest Review, Vol. 11, No.1, 2009, pp. 1-11. |
| [25] | A. R. Adam, A. Ofosu-Asiedu, C. Dei-Amoah, and A. Asante-Asiamah, 1993, In; Amoah, M., and Becker G., Assessment of logging efficiency and development of allometric models for predicting stumpage volume of some commercial tree species in Ghana. International Forest Review, Vol. 11 No. 1, 2009. pp. 1-11. |
| [26] | Dadzie, P.K., Preliminary guide for entrepreneurship studies in the wood products industry-A necessary step towards enhancing value addition to wood resources for wealth creation and development. A conference paper for the 1st International Conference for Entrepreneurs and Entreprneurship Educators, Researchers and Entreprenueurs in Africa (CEEREA, 2011), Kumasi. Ghana. 28th -30th November, 2011. |
| [27] | LI 1649, Timber resource management regulations, Part VI- Registration and use of chainsaws, Forestry Commission, promulgated on 9th November, 1998. pp. 1-20. |
APA Style
PETER KESSELS DADZIE. (2013). Potential Contribution of Branchwood Quantity, Left after Logging Operations, Towards Reducing Depletion Rate and Preserving Ghana’s Forest Ecosystem. American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry, 1(2), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12
ACS Style
PETER KESSELS DADZIE. Potential Contribution of Branchwood Quantity, Left after Logging Operations, Towards Reducing Depletion Rate and Preserving Ghana’s Forest Ecosystem. Am. J. Agric. For. 2013, 1(2), 32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12
AMA Style
PETER KESSELS DADZIE. Potential Contribution of Branchwood Quantity, Left after Logging Operations, Towards Reducing Depletion Rate and Preserving Ghana’s Forest Ecosystem. Am J Agric For. 2013;1(2):32-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12
Share This Article
Twitter
Linked In
Facebook
Copy
Download@article{10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12,
author = {PETER KESSELS DADZIE},
title = {Potential Contribution of Branchwood Quantity, Left after Logging Operations, Towards Reducing Depletion Rate and Preserving Ghana’s Forest Ecosystem},
journal = {American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry},
volume = {1},
number = {2},
pages = {32-39},
doi = {10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajaf.20130102.12},
abstract = {The alarming depletion rate of Ghana’s forests has become one major challenge facing the wood related industries, foresters and environmentalists. This is because, depletion of forest and wood lands do not only affect industrial and economic growth negatively, but also disturbs the whole forest ecosystem. The depletion rate has largely been attributed to the practice of extracting only the stemwoods of trees felled, to meet demand for wood and leading to continuous felling of trees. Branchwood is viewed as one possible supplement to stemwoods, and when extracted for use, can help reduce the extinction rate and subsequently help to preserve the forests and the environment. This study was conducted to ascertain the quantity of merchantable branchwood left in Ghana’s forests, after logging operations, to suggest a possible commercial conversion to supplement stemwood. Data was gathered from four natural forest reserves in three ecological zones. Volumes of merchantable branchwoods on 106 felled trees were computed using Smalian’s equation. These trees were sampled based on accessibility to their branches. Two diameters at each end (ranged from 18cm and 90cm) and one length of each branchwood were measured for volumes computations. Branchwwood volumes of individual trees and those of same species were tallied and their means determined. Results indicated that, merchantable branchwood volumes ranged from 2.302% (Pterygota macrocarpa) to 63.841% (Khaya spp.) of their extracted stemwood volumes. However, the overall average merchantable branchwood volume was found to be 28.602% of the total extracted stemwood volume from the 106 trees. This percentage translates into preserving or conserving about 6 hectares of forest land area, should branchwood be extracted for use. It was concluded that, the average branchwood volume is substantial enough for commercial lumber production to supplement stemwood and help reduce the high depletion rate.},
year = {2013}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Potential Contribution of Branchwood Quantity, Left after Logging Operations, Towards Reducing Depletion Rate and Preserving Ghana’s Forest Ecosystem AU - PETER KESSELS DADZIE Y1 - 2013/08/10 PY - 2013 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12 DO - 10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12 T2 - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry JF - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry JO - American Journal of Agriculture and Forestry SP - 32 EP - 39 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2330-8591 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajaf.20130102.12 AB - The alarming depletion rate of Ghana’s forests has become one major challenge facing the wood related industries, foresters and environmentalists. This is because, depletion of forest and wood lands do not only affect industrial and economic growth negatively, but also disturbs the whole forest ecosystem. The depletion rate has largely been attributed to the practice of extracting only the stemwoods of trees felled, to meet demand for wood and leading to continuous felling of trees. Branchwood is viewed as one possible supplement to stemwoods, and when extracted for use, can help reduce the extinction rate and subsequently help to preserve the forests and the environment. This study was conducted to ascertain the quantity of merchantable branchwood left in Ghana’s forests, after logging operations, to suggest a possible commercial conversion to supplement stemwood. Data was gathered from four natural forest reserves in three ecological zones. Volumes of merchantable branchwoods on 106 felled trees were computed using Smalian’s equation. These trees were sampled based on accessibility to their branches. Two diameters at each end (ranged from 18cm and 90cm) and one length of each branchwood were measured for volumes computations. Branchwwood volumes of individual trees and those of same species were tallied and their means determined. Results indicated that, merchantable branchwood volumes ranged from 2.302% (Pterygota macrocarpa) to 63.841% (Khaya spp.) of their extracted stemwood volumes. However, the overall average merchantable branchwood volume was found to be 28.602% of the total extracted stemwood volume from the 106 trees. This percentage translates into preserving or conserving about 6 hectares of forest land area, should branchwood be extracted for use. It was concluded that, the average branchwood volume is substantial enough for commercial lumber production to supplement stemwood and help reduce the high depletion rate. VL - 1 IS - 2 ER -
Information
Email: