An evaluation of the small-scale sawmilling and timber processing industry in northern Vietnam and the need for planting particular indigenous species

This paper reports findings of surveys into small-scale sawmilling and timber processing in Phu Tho Province and the Tam Dao National Park buffer zone in northern Vietnam. The objective of these surveys was to examine the extent to which small sawmills and timber processors utilise farm-grown timber, so as to explore the prospects for expansion of farm-grown timber markets. The operational scope, supply chain and value chain of the industry are reported. Resource availability and current and future perspectives are discussed. Timber prices were found to vary greatly between species and study areas. Species most in demand by enterprises are Artocarpus heterophyllus, Melia azedarach, Manglietia conifera, Acacia spp., Chukrasia tabularis and Erythrophloeum fordii. Small-scale sawmilling and timber processing activities fit well with rural communities in Vietnam and have potential for further development if current constraints can be overcome. Further tree planting is needed to meet the presently unsatisfied timber demand and to create income and employment. Information from sawmillers and timber processors suggests the types of species that farmers should be considering for their plantings.     

A stochastic frontier analysis of technical progress, efficiency change and productivity growth in the Pacific Northwest sawmill industry

Stochastic frontier analysis was employed to investigate technical efficiency and productivity growth in the sawmilling industry of the U.S. Pacific Northwest over the period 1968–2002. The results of our analysis indicate that productivity growth was strong over the 30-year study period, due almost exclusively to technical progress. The model developed in this analysis was used to examine the cause of employment declines in the sawmilling industry between 1988 and 1994. We found that that 62% of the decline was due to changes in output and non-labor input factors and 38% was due to technical change alone.     

Effects of thinning level and site productivity on age-related changes in stand volume growth can be explained by a single rescaled growth curve

In this study, I developed a nonlinear mixed-effects model based on the Richards curve that describes the effects of thinning and site productivity on stand volume growth. I fitted the model to data from 29 long-term experimental monitoring plots in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations in northeastern Japan. Simulations using the model on high-productivity sites and at moderate thinning intensities indicated that net yields after ca. 80 years were lower in unthinned stands than in thinned stands; in other cases, such as at younger ages and at sites with low and average productivities, net yields were similar for each thinning intensity (including no thinning). These results could be attributed to the fact that the net current annual increment in stand volume (CAI_net) in the thinned stands exceeded that of the unthinned stands after a certain age (the “inversion” age) and to the negative correlation between site productivity and the inversion age. In addition, I found that a single rescaled growth curve was capable of describing the growth in stand volume at sites with different thinning histories and site productivities. This rescaled curve simply and clearly explained the effects of thinning and site productivity on stand volume growth. The existence of a single curve suggests that the positive effect of thinning on stand volume growth does not depend on site productivity, but it will require patient measurements over longer periods to reveal a positive effect at sites with low productivity.     

Effects of stand density on the productivity ofCryptomeria japonica male flowers

We have studied male flower production and relative illumination in clonal sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) forests planted at densities of 1,500/ha, 3,000/ha, and 5,000/ha, to clarify the effects of forest management on male flower production. Both the relative illumination and male flower production decrease as the stand density increases. The lowest position at which male flowers are formed decreases as the density of the stand decreases. High thinning intensity promotes male flower production and light pruning is ineffective to reduce male flower production. Therefore, traditional management methods used in sugi forests (i.e. planting at high density, frequent light thinning, intensive pruning and short rotation) are ideal strategies for limiting male flower production.     

Effects of soil moisture and species composition on growth and productivity of trembling aspen and white spruce in planted mixtures: 5-year results

Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench.) Voss) were planted 0.5 m apart in intimate mixtures in 5 × 4 m plots, with two moisture regimes—irrigation versus control—and five species compositions—pure aspen (Aw100), mixed aspen and spruce (Aw83Sw17, Aw50Sw50, Aw17Sw83), and pure spruce (Sw100), replicated six times. Fifth-year assessments indicated that irrigation increased individual tree growth (height, RCD, crown width), plot leaf area index (LAI), and wood biomass. Increased aspen composition reduced the availability of soil moisture and consequently the growth of individual trees. With increased aspen composition more growth was allocated to stem in aspen and to foliage in white spruce. Comparatively, aspen responded more to irrigation and thus their growth is more dependent on precipitation than that of spruce. Among the three growth variables assessed, height responded more to irrigation in both species. Equal mixtures and aspen-dominated mixtures in control plots had higher productivity in terms of total wood biomass in both absolute and relative terms. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to managing aspen and white spruce mixedwood forests under increasing drought expected as a result of climate change.     

Effects of temperature on the site productivity of Pinus sylvestris and lodgepole pine in Finland and Sweden

The influence of temperature regime on forest production in the northern boreal forest was studied by analysing the variation in site index for 20 provenance tests of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. var. latifolia Engelm.) in Finland and Sweden with respect to temperature. The site indices were regressed with several different temperature variables, which were obtained from interpolated monthly averages over 30 years from permanent meteorological stations nearby. There were strong correlations between all tested temperature variables and site index (r = 0.80–0.94). Site fertility influenced site index to some extent but the slope of the test sites did not. An increase in temperature sum from 600 to 1200 degree days (corresponding to an increase of the mean temperature in July from 13 to 15°C) was associated with an increase in site index of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) from 12.2 to 21.6 m (77%). Such an increase in site index can be assumed to correspond to an increase of 6.5 m³ ha^?1 wood (183%) in mean annual increment. The effect of temperature was greater on poor sites than on fertile sites, and in harsh temperature regimes than in mild.     

Effect of endomycorrhizae (VAM) on bamboo seedling growth and biomass productivity

The role of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) fungi symbiosis with bamboo seedling was investigated. VAM species Glomus aggregatum, G. fasciculatum and G. mosseae were inoculated individually and in combinations with the bamboo seedlings. The percentage of infection and various growth parameters such as the number of shoots, number of rhizome, internodal distance, leaf length and breadth and total biomass production were studied in myocorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal infected plants. The above findings indicated a significant increase in the growth rate and biomass productivity.     

金莲花采收、加工对产量与药用价值的影响

以河北塞罕坝机械林场的野生药用植物-金莲花为试验材料,分别采集花蕾、开放3~5 d、开放5~8 d和开放10 d以上的花朵进行了生物产量和黄酮类化合物含量测定,结果表明,以开放3~5 d的花朵单位面积产量和总黄酮类含量最高,50℃下人工烘干的金莲花总黄酮类含量高于自然晾晒。因此,金莲花的适宜采收期为花朵开放3~5 d,并采用50℃人工烘干的加工方法可提高药用价值。     

连栽对巨尾桉人工林生物量和生产力的影响

对不同连栽代数的巨尾桉人工林的生物量和生产力进行研究。按径级标准木法,测定3年生不同连栽代数的巨尾桉人工林生物量,建立其估算模型,计算出3年生不同连栽代数巨尾桉人工林分的生物量和生产力。结果表明：第1,2,3代巨尾桉人工林年生物量分别为37.81,37.02,26.59 t/ hm2;林分年净生产力分别为12.60,12.34,8.86 t/（hm2·a）;干材年生产力分别为6.12,6.14,4.33 t/（hm2·a）。随着连栽代数的增加,林分的生物量和生产力下降趋势不明显,第2代林干材生产力高于第1,3代林。     

Effects of black locust on productivity and nitrogen nutrition of intercropped barley

Effects of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) on productivity and N nutrition of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were evaluated under various management regimes (2 soil types, 3 levels of N fertilizer, and 3 cropping systems — barley alone, and barley intercropped with trees pruned or unpruned).Intercropping did not affect productivity and N nutrition of barley in 1988 when trees were small. However, there was a significant yield decline in 1989 as the trees grew bigger. On average, productivity of the sole crop was 8% higher in both soil types. Pruning and mulching moderated the yield reduction compared with the unpruned treatment. Competition for soil moisture was considered a major constraint. Nonetheless, the overall productivity (barley+black locust) from the intercropped treatments was 53% higher than sole cropping.In 1989 and 1990, intercropped barley had significantly higher grain and straw N concentrations (%). In 1989, for example, grain N content was 11% higher than in the sole crop. Removal of trees in 1990 resulted in significant increase in productivity and N content of subsequent barley crop relative to continuous sole cropping. From N nutrition viewpoint, barley from previously intercropped treatments showed superior quality and it had, on average, 23% higher grain N content than the sole crop. This was attributed to N₂-fixation and N return by black locust. It was estimated that black locust contributed about 36 kg N ha^–1 to the system.This study underscores the role black locust is potentially capable of playing in the development of sustainable and low-input agricultural systems in temperate regions. Nonetheless, the study also illustrates the importance of the below and above-ground interactions that occur in intercropped systems and the need for further research in this area.     

Effects of thinning paper birch on conifer productivity and understory plant diversity

Naturally regenerated paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) is commonly removed from juvenile interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca [Beissn.] Franco) plantations in southern interior British Columbia, Canada, to increase conifer productivity and create a free-growing stand; however, this practice is expensive and contentious because of possible negative ecological impacts. One solution is to retain an optimal density of birch where growth gains of understory Douglas-fir are balanced against losses to Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink and understory plant species diversity. We sought to find this optimal density by comparing four evenly applied birch density reduction treatments (0, 400, 1111, and 4444 retained birch stems ha^?1) and an unthinned control (>7300 retained birch stems ha^?1). The mortality rate of Douglas-fir due to Armillaria root disease increased non-significantly with thinning intensity. Mean diameter increment of surviving Douglas-fir improved the most where birch was completely removed, with little variation among intermediate thinning treatments. Height growth was unaffected by the thinning treatments. Diversity of cryptogams was significantly greater in the control than where all birch was removed. We suggest that the treatment with 4444 retained birch stems ha^?1 provides the best balance for improving Douglas-fir growth while minimizing risk of increased Armillaria root disease and reduced understory plant diversity in young mixed stands.     

Effects of spruce beetle infestations on berry productivity on the Kenai Peninsula,Alaska

Understanding the dynamics of berry productivity provides significant insight for managing the landscape to maintain ecosystem functions. On the Kenai Peninsula, as many as 14 mammal and 30 bird species commonly feed on berries produced by shrubs and forbs associated with spruce forests. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) and black bears (Ursus americanus), in particular, rely on berry crops for foraging. Gathering berries for subsistence or recreation purposes is also important to local residents and visitors. Recent spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby) infestations on the Kenai Peninsula have altered the dynamics of berry productivity. To assess this relationship, we evaluated the number and productivity of berries with the following environmental covariates: canopy cover, overstory type, infestation level, year of infestation, land type, and land type association. Data were sufficient to describe the relationships of these variables with the productivity of bunchberry dogwood (Cornus canadensis), black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), false toadflax (Geocaulon lividum), strawberryleaf raspberry (Rubus pedatus), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and a combination of 24 other species. We accomplished this using log-linear regression by which we estimated the variance using the negative binomial distribution. Canopy cover significantly influenced the productivity of all berry species except for false toadflax. Increasing canopy cover had a negative effect on berry productivity except for strawberryleaf raspberry. Overstory type influenced the productivity of all individual berry species. Infestation level was significantly related to the productivity of black crowberry, false toadflax, and the combined species group. Berry counts were generally lower in plots with low or medium infestation than in plots with high infestation. Relating the dynamics of berry productivity to the effects of spruce beetle infestations provides the opportunity for better management of post-beetle-infested forests.     

桂西北西南桦人工林生长规律和生物生产力

以广西天峨县林朵林场12年生西南桦人工林为研究对象,研究其生长过程和生物生产力特征。结果表明:西南桦在桂西北具有较强的生长适应性,12年生平均胸径(去皮)、平均树高和平均蓄积量分别达到15.6 cm,16.8 m,170.10 m3/hm2;西南桦树高和胸径生长均以前5 a最快,随后随林龄的增长而下降;材积生长在8年生时达到峰值,之后开始下降但仍然保持较高的年生长量。12年生西南桦人工林林分生物量为130.86 t/hm2,其中乔木层、灌木层、草本层和凋落物层生物量依次为122.38,2.35,1.87和4.26 t/hm2,分别占93.52%,1.80%,1.43%和3.26%。林分乔木层年净生产力为10.20 t/(hm2·a),不同器官净生产力大小次序为树干、树叶、树枝、树根、树皮。     

Effects of rainwater harvesting on herbage diversity and productivity in degraded Aravalli hills in western India

Over-exploitation and rural growth have severely damaged native vegetations of Aravalli hills in Rajasthan, India. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different restoration practices (i.e., rainwater harvesting (RWH) and planting of tree seedlings) on improve- ment in soil water and nutrients and growth and biomass of herbaceous vegetation. Contour trench (CT), Gradonie (G), Box trench (BT), V-ditch (VD) and a control were imposed on 75 plots (each of 700 m 2 ) in natural slope gradient defined as <10%, 10% 20% and >20% slopes in 2005. Each plot had three micro-sites of 1-m 2 at up (USP), middle (MSP) and lower (LSP) part of the plot for observation in 2008. The existed gradient (due to soil texture and topographic features) of soil pH, EC, SOC, NH 4 - N, NO 3 -N and PO 4 -P in June 2005 between >20% to <10% slopes were decreased in 2008 after applying RWH techniques. Such improvement in soil status promoted vegetation growth and biomass in higher slope gra- dients. Soil water, species diversity and herbage biomass increased from USP to LSP, and RWH techniques had positive role in improving SOC, nutrients, vegetation population, evenness and growth at MSP. Despite of lowest SWC, regular rain and greater soil water usage enhanced green and dry herbage biomasses in 10% 20% and >20% slopes, compared with <10% slope. The highest diversity in CT treatment was related to herbage biomass, which was enhanced further by highest concentrations of SOC and PO 4 -P. Further, CT treatment was found to be the best treat- ment in minimizing biomass variance in different slopes. Conclusively, soil texture and topographic features controlled soil water and nutrients availability. Rainwater harvesting techniques increased soil water storage and nutrient retention and also enhanced vegetation status and biomass by minimizing the effects of hillslopes. Thus depending upon the site conditions, suitable RWH technique could be adopted to increase herb- age biomass while rehabilitating the degraded hills.     

福州市林业产业结构演进及其对经济总产值的影响

以福州市2012-2016年林业产值与地区经济总产值的数据为研究对象,对该地区林业产业结构演进及其对经济总产值的影响进行分析,结果表明:福州市林业第一产业年均增长率为9.10%,地位略高于全省平均水平,第二产业年均增长率为2.44%,明显处于劣势,其林业第三产业具有较大的发展潜力,年均增长率达37.44%,受到的重视程度也在不断提升;而林业产值在经济总产值的地位远远低于全省平均水平,且呈不断下降趋势,发挥的作用逐渐减小,但其对经济总产值仍具有明显的促进作用。     

杉松轮作对土壤全铝及交换性铝的影响

于福建省长汀县四都楼子坝国有林场选择3种利用方式的林地设置标准样地,测定其土壤中全铝及交换性铝的含量.结果表明：杉木连栽（AA）、杉木—马尾松—杉木（ABA）轮作及杉木—马尾松轮作（AB）等3种利用方式林地的不同土层土壤全铝含量差异略有不同,除了上坡20～40 cm土层及中坡0～ 20 cm和20～ 40 cm土层AB与AA、ABA的土壤全铝含量存在显著差异外,其余各种林地利用方式和不同土层的土壤全铝含量都没有显著差异;与全铝含量相比,土壤交换性铝含量的变化规律约有不同,除了上坡0～20 cm土层的AB与AB、ABA,中坡0 ～ 20 cm土层的ABA与AA、AB,下坡20～40 cm和40 ～ 60 cm的ABA与AA、AB土层的土壤交换性铝含量差异显著外,其余无显著差异.     

Effects of disturbance history and environmental factors on the diversity and productivity of understory vegetation in a cool-temperate forest in Japan

We assessed the species richness and aboveground productivity of understory plants in nine types of forest stand (116 plots in total) that had different disturbance histories that were combinations of the frequency of plantation (clear-cutting, site preparation, planting), typhoon damage, and selective cutting. We established two 1 m × 1 m quadrats to measure species richness and productivity and one 1 m × 30 m belt to measure species richness in each plot. Canopy leaf area index (LAI), soil NH₄⁺, soil C/N ratio, slope angle, and slope aspect were measured as current environmental factors affecting each plot. The variance in species richness was better explained by disturbance history (69% in quadrats; 86% in the belt) than by current environmental factors. Species richness and the Simpson index decreased as the frequency of plantation increased. In contrast, the variance in productivity was better explained by current environmental factors (82%), especially canopy LAI (45%), than by disturbance history. The relations of species presence and productivity to the explanatory variables differed among species, although there were some common responses within life forms. The effects of disturbance on species diversity remained for 20–80 years. Forest management should therefore take into account the long-term effects of disturbance history to maintain understory plant diversity.     

Forestry policy reform and the role of incentives in Tanzania

The Government of Tanzania is addressing ongoing degradation problems with a new Forest Policy that reflects changes in the national and international policy environment for forest management. The paper looks at some aspects of forest policy reform, based on the underlying assumption that roles, functions, characteristics and performance of institutions and organizations for natural resources management — on different administrative levels — are essential factors for promoting sustainable resource use and development. The authors argue that policy design critically depends on a proper analysis of the incentives structures at work, and propose five issues for forest policy development in a developing country context.     

穆棱林业局西洋参业的再发展

通过对西洋参药用价值、保健功能、市场前景和穆棱林业局所具条件的概述。阐明了穆棱林业局西洋参业再发展的必要性、可行性、规模及投资收益程度。