Predictive models of forest logging residues of Triplochiton scleroxylon in Ondo Tropical Rainforest, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, biomass yield residue was quantified and equations developed for Triplochiton scleroxylon, in secondary forests, Ondo State, Nigeria. Plotless sampling technique was used for the study. A total of 31 Triplochiton scleroxylon were randomly selected. Tree identification and detailed growing stock of outside bark diameters at breast height (dbh), base, middle, top and total height were measured for selected trees. Each tree was felled as close to the ground as  possible. The logging  residues were categorized into stump, stem, branch and foliage. Fresh weights of representative samples from the various logging residues components were obtained and dry-weights to freshweights ratio of the various biomass components were calculated. The results showed that the mean biomass of the residues for Triplochiton scleroxylon was 66.40 kg, 312.98 kg, and 19.56 kg for stem, branches and foliage respectively which indicated that the branch components generated more logging residue than other components. The proportion of residues generated for Triplochiton scleroxylon ranged from 12.00% to 49.02%. The  biomass models for logging residue were fitted using dbh predictor. The model  developed indicated that logarithmic functions performed better than other form of equation. The findings of this study revealed that there is significant logging  residues left to waste in the forest after timber harvest and quantifying this logging residue in terms of biomass model can serve as management tools in ensuring useful planning for economic utilization of the residues.

Key words: Logging residue, biomass yield, biomass model, <i>Triplochiton scleroxylon</i>