Growth and quality response of Bilinga (Nauclea Diderrichii Merril.) to spacing

The effect of spacing on growth and tree bole quality was examined in a seven year old Bilinga (Nauclea diderrichii Merril.) stand. Four spacings ranging from 2.5 m to 5.0 m, were planted in a complete randomozed block design with three replications. Survival rate was significantly affected by spacing only at age 7. Diameter at breast height (DBH), crown ratio and number of knotty trees increased with wider spacing, while basal area and number of dead limbs increased inversely with spacing. Spacing did not seem to have any significant effect on total height growth. Trends in this study confirm some commonly held beliefs about spacing's effect on tree growth and quality. The results are still of limited application due to the juvenile age of the stand.