Growth, biomass estimates, and charcoal production of Acacia drepanolobium in Laikipia, Kenya

Charcoal is a major source for cooking energy in most African countries, for which demand from a burgeoning human population has sometimes outstripped the supply of wood from forests and woodland. Therefore, there is need to explore the potential of indigenous trees and shrubs for sustainable charco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest ecology and management 2001-03, Vol.142 (1), p.143-153
Main Authors: Okello, B.D, O’Connor, T.G, Young, T.P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acacia drepanolobium
Agricultural development. Rural area planning
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
Biological and medical sciences
Chrono-sequence
Fuel-wood
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General agroecology. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development. Rural area planning. Landscaping
General agronomy. Plant production
Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development
Harvesting
Kenya
Rangelands
Sustainable
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Summary:Charcoal is a major source for cooking energy in most African countries, for which demand from a burgeoning human population has sometimes outstripped the supply of wood from forests and woodland. Therefore, there is need to explore the potential of indigenous trees and shrubs for sustainable charcoal production. Acacia drepanolobium is an ideal candidate for sustained charcoal production because (a) it occurs in almost mono-specific stands in high densities over vast areas, (b) it coppices readily when harvested or top killed by fire, (c) it’s hard wood makes good quality charcoal, (d) income from its charcoal is an attractive source of supplemental revenue. Information on its biomass, charcoal yield, and regrowth rates are needed for informed management and its conservation for sustainable charcoal production, but this information is currently lacking. Suitability of A. drepanolobium for sustained charcoal yield in Laikipia, Kenya, was evaluated by developing predictive equations for standing biomass and charcoal production, and by undertaking a chrono-sequence analysis of its regrowth. Woody biomass was strongly related to stem diameter ( Y=3.77 x+1.17, R 2=0.96, P
ISSN:0378-1127
1872-7042
DOI:10.1016/S0378-1127(00)00346-7