Basic density and some strength properties of melia azedarach l. and markhamia lutea (benth.) k. schum. grown in agroforestry in Bunda, Mara, Tanzania.
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Date
1999
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Basic density and some strength properties of Melia azedarach L. and Markhamia
lutea (Benth.) K. Schum. grown in agroforestry in Bunda district were studied. The
overall objective of this study was to assess tire quality of wood of these species in
order to improve their utilization.
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A survey of end uses of both species was conducted by using structured
questionnaires. Tree form was determined by observation on standing trees. Five
mature trees aged between 25 to 30 years with good form and free from defects were
selected. Basic density was determined by using maximum moisture content method.
Strength properties were measured on a Monsanto Tensiometer machine.
The main findings were as follows:
•
Wood of Melia azedarach and Markhamia lutea is already being utilized in Bunda
for furniture making and construction work.
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Trees of Melia azedarach were straight up to about 7 m with sparse crown cover
while those of Markhamia lutea were straight up to about 5 m from the base.
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Mean basic density were found to be 436 kg/m and 430 kg/m for Melia
azedarach and Markhamia lutea respectively. There was no significant difference in mean basic density between the two species
(P>0.05).
•
There were significant differences in all studied strength properties except work to
maximum load for the two species (P<0.05).
i
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All studied strength properties of Markhamia lutea were significantly higher by an
average of about 37% compared with those of Melia azedarach except work to
maximum load and cleavage strength.
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Variations in basic density and studied strength properties were found between
trees and within trees of the same species. Within trees of the same species
variation was found in radial and axial directions.
•
These results suggest that it is possible to improve the wood quality of these
species through among other methods selection of trees with the desired properties
for further planting.
•
There were significant relationships between basic density and tire studied strength
properties which indicate that it is possible to predict one strength property from
basic density hence reduction of cost and time required for testing. There were positive significant relationships between both basic density and
studied strength properties with rate of growth measured by dbh and total tree
height for both species. The relationships were all significant with dbh for Melia
azedarach and not significant for Markhamia lutea.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of master of science in forestry
Keywords
Melia azedarach, Markhamia hitea, Agroforestiy, Wood, Bunda, Mara, Tanzania