Cutting height as a competition control factor in teak (Tectona grandis L.f) plantations in southern Benin
Soufianou Arzouma,
Roméo Gbaguidi,
Gauthier Ayélo,
Adoté Hervé Gildas Akueson,
Arcadius Yves Justin Akossou
Affiliations
Soufianou Arzouma
Unit of Applied Statistics and Informatics (USIA), University of Parakou, BP 123, Parakou, Benin
Roméo Gbaguidi
Center for Studies, Research and Forestry Training (CERF), General Directorate of Water, Forests and Hunting, (DGEFC), Ministry of the Living Environment and Sustainable Development (MCVDD), 06 BP 707 PK 3.5, Cotonou, Benin
Gauthier Ayélo
Office National du Bois (ONAB), BP: 1238, Cotonou, Benin
Adoté Hervé Gildas Akueson
Department of Natural Resources Management, Doctoral School of Agricultural and Water Sciences, University of Parakou, BP 123, Parakou, Benin; Unit of Applied Statistics and Informatics (USIA), University of Parakou, BP 123, Parakou, Benin
Arcadius Yves Justin Akossou
Department of Natural Resources Management, Doctoral School of Agricultural and Water Sciences, University of Parakou, BP 123, Parakou, Benin; Unit of Applied Statistics and Informatics (USIA), University of Parakou, BP 123, Parakou, Benin; Corresponding author. Department of Natural Resources Management, Doctoral School of Agricultural and Water Sciences, University of Parakou, BP 123, Parakou, Benin.
The effect of stump sprouts on the growth of trees in the main plantation under system of even-aged forest was investigated in this study. In this context, eight plantations taking into account the age, the number of thinning and the type of soil were selected. In order to assess the practices related to cutting height, a survey was carried out in each plantation. In each plantation, at least, two square plots measuring 50 × 50 m (one containing trees with less stump sprouts and the other containing trees with stump sprouts) were installed. The density of stump sprouts and filler trees had a detrimental effect on the growth of trees in the main plantation. Competition for resources was the main cause. The density of stumps and those of filler trees within a radius of 5 m around each future tree were estimated at 3 stumps and 3 filler trees respectively. The distance between the future trees and the stump sprouts or the filler trees was estimated at around 3 m. The search for an appropriate cutting level, spacing of trees and compliance with recommendations related to silvicultural practices are among other solutions to limit this competition.
