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Growth characteristics and trends of Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg. plantations in rainforest ecosystem of Edo State, Nigeria

Author Affiliations

  • 1Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
  • 2Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
  • 3Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Res. J. Agriculture & Forestry Sci., Volume 8, Issue (3), Pages 32-40, July,8 (2020)

Abstract

The climate change problem is compounded by the tree-deficit situation in the world due to deforestation, forest degradation and other land-use changes. The objective of this study was to examine growth characteristics of Hevea brasiliensis plantations of different ages. Using simple random sampling method, five age series were selected for enumeration. Four temporary sample plots of 20mx20m were randomly selected per hectare, resulting to a total of 20 sampling plots for this study. Within each sample plot; diameter at breast height (dbh), and total height of all individual trees were measured; while diameters at the top, middle and base of two mean trees were measured. Simple linear regression equations were fitted to the growth data to test the relationships between pairs of growth parameters. The results showed that stand mean Dbh ranged from 7.7cm to 31.2cm, stand basal area ranged from 1.8 m2/ha to 26.1m2/h, while stand volume ranged from 10.6m3/ha to 282.7m3/ha. Hevea brasiliensis trees in this study showed evidence of fast growth rate. The mean stand growth parameters (Dbh, basal area, height and volume) showed strong and positive linear relationships with stand age. For individual trees, volume was linearly related to Dbh (R2=0.78) and exponentially related to total height (R2=0.92). Effective management and sustainable development of H. brasiliensis plantations are strongly recommended for higher yields and environmental benefits in Nigeria.

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