The Growth and Yield of Teak [Tectona Grandis Linn F.) Plantations in Northern Ghana
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Date
1997-12
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University of Ghana
Abstract
Nunifu, K. T. 1997. The growth and yield of teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.)
plantations in Northern Ghana 101pp. MScF Thesis, Faculty of Forestry, Lakehead
University. Advisor: Dr. H. G. Murchison.
Key Words: Biomass, Biomass equations, Northern Ghana, Teak, Tectona
grandis, Volume Tables, Yield models.
Teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) is a popular exotic species in Ghana, widely
grown in industrial plantations and small scale community woodlots. In spite of its
importance, limited information exists on the growth and yield of this species.
Presented here are the results of a preliminary study aimed at assessing the
growth and yield potential and developing provisional yield models for the
management of teak in Northern Ghana. Data were collected from 100 temporary
sample plots from plantations in this region, ranging in ages from 3 to 40 years.
Local, standard and stand volume equations and tables were constructed from the
data. Additive above ground biomass and site index equations, and provisional
empirical yield models were also developed and presented. Site index curves were
used to classify teak plantations in the region into site classes I, II and III, in order
of decreasing productivity. The assessment of growth and yield revealed the
potential for growing teak to acceptable timber size on good sites. Yield functions,
indicate that teak can be grown on biologically optimum rotations of 31, 38 and 48
years on site classes I, II and III respectively. The diameter distribution was
modelled by the three-parameter Weibull function, using the maximum likelihood
and the percentile parameter estimators. The diameter distribution showed positive
skewness indicating there are more trees in smaller diameter classes. Initial
planting spacing of 2 by 2 m could be reduced to accommodate initial mortality and
to achieve optimum stocking levels in order to improve form and timber quality.
Description
Thesis(MSc)- University of Ghana, 1997