Logging practices in Tanzanian natural forests
Logging practices in Tanzanian natural forests
Abeli, W. S., Issara, D. G., Malilah, P.K. and Mrosso, D. K.
ABSTRACT
Miombo woodland forests and Tropical High Forests (THF) are the major types of natural forests in Tanzania. These forests are characterized by low harvestable volume per unit area, un-even aged trees and inaccessible most of the year round due to difficult terrain and poor road networks.
Most of the logging operations in natural forests are performed on piece work basis. Cutting tacks vary from 1 tree/day in THF to 50 trees/day in Miombo woodland forests depending on the size, stocking and the cutting tool. For instance in the THF where an axe was used as a cutting tool, productivity was 9.1m3/day while in Miombo woodland forests where 2-man crosscut saw and a chainsaw were used for cutting, productivities were 4.2m3/day and 29.2m3/day respectively.
Skidding production depended on the skidding method, means, distance and volume per trip. Exponential growth curve relationships were observed when skidding rimes as a function of distance were plotted for both skidding means. The estimated skidding productions for the County tractor and D7Cat.Were 31.8 m3/day and 26,1 m3 day, respectively. Loading of logs into the trucks was done both manually and by use of machines. Were done manually , loading time varied from 5.7min/m3 to 10.9min/m3 depending on the loading site and the size of the landing. Loading times when using a Grapple loader and a Skidder plate were 1.5min/m3 and 1.7min/m3, respectively.
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