Abstract
Growth, wood quality parameters and productivity estimations of 12-year-old teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) grown under three agroforestry systems, namely unmanaged block (Bum), unmanaged line on the farm boundary (Lum) and intensively managed block (Bim) plantations are studied. Mean annual increment (MAI) of 0.020, 0.006 and 0.016 m3 tree−1 year−1 was recorded in Lum, Bum and Bim, respectively. Overall growth performance of teak raised in Lum, plantation appears to be better than two block plantations (Bum and Bim). For evaluating various wood quality parameters, tree logs from each plantation were tested for different physical and mechanical properties according to the standard procedures. The wood quality of Bum was found to be comparatively superior to Bim and much better than those of Lum. The 12-year-old farm teak trees from three systems exhibited lower average values of different wood quality parameters compared to mature forest teak. Since physical and strength properties of Bum were inferior compared to Lum and Bim, its exploitation is not advisable at this stage. Line plantation, however, releases land for cultivation of arable crops and does not demand any special silvicultural management as required by Bim. Although, total extractable volume of teak wood available after 12-years of age from Bum was much smaller compared to Bim or Lum, its commercial exploitation at an early age may be preferred over other two practices due to better wood quality and lower management cost. For optimum economic utilization and mechanical maturity of wood, harvesting of block plantation may be delayed for about 10-15 years because growth volume and strength properties are expected to improve with age of tree.
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Acknowledgments
Authors would like to acknowledge the Director, Group Coordinator (Research) and the Head, Wood Properties and Uses, and Head, Tree Improvement and Propagation Divisions for their continuous encouragement and support during completion of the study. Authors would also like to thank the teak farmers of Devanahally taluk and the Managing Director, M/s Malu Plantations, Devanahally for their co-operation and support.
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Shukla, S.R., Viswanath, S. Comparative study on growth, wood quality and financial returns of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) managed under three different agroforestry practices. Agroforest Syst 88, 331–341 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-014-9686-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-014-9686-5