Research Studies on Forest Management in Sri Lanka

Analysis of mangrove vegetation cover and the present status of aquaculture in Puttlam District of Sri Lanka

2012-01-29T23:17:00.003+05:30

Abstract of a research study

conducted by Supun Nigamuni, Upul Subasinghe and Chandani Edussuriya

Mangrove forests are complex ecosystems that occur along intertidal accretive shores in the tropics. Mangroves play a significant role in both ecology and economy. In Sri Lanka many estuaries and lagoons are fringed with vastly diverse mangrove forests. The northwestern coastline represent all three major climatic zones in Sri Lanka. It also has the largest mangrove forest patch which is located in Puttlam – Kalpitiya lagoon. From the recent past the mangrove forest cover in Puttalam District is experiencing severe pressures from the adjoining settlements, the fishery industry, aquaculture and other activities in the catchment. An abrupt decline in the forest cover is evident due to being converted into industrial shrimp farms.

An attempt was made in the present study to analyze the spatial pattern of mangrove destruction related to shrimp farm development and to analyze the distribution of mangrove species. For this purpose, shrimp farms of 2008 were mapped using IRS – LISS III image (2008) to identify the operational and abandoned shrimp farms. The results were verified by using Google Earth. In order to study the mangrove species distribution, a total of 40 sampling sites were selected to cover the whole study area. Data collection was done at each sampling point by a 10 m traverse established from the water level to the edge of the mangrove vegetation at the landside. Species and the number of individuals in each traverse were recorded during this survey.

According to the findings of the study in 2008 there is a total of 5355 ha of land is used for shrimp farms but only 3872 ha is in operation and others are abandoned. These barren lands could be cultivated with mangroves if suitable restoration programme is implemented while natural regeneration is also evident in some areas.

It was evident that Chilaw lagoon area is the richest when it comes to mangrove diversity. Rhizophore mucronata, Avicennia marina and Lumnitzera racemosa were the most dominant species in the study area. The most significant finding was the recording of Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea Gaertn. f. from Udappwa (854883.4 N 366900.8 E) which has now become very rare species in Sri Lanka. Only a few trees were previously recorded to be restricted to one locality on the Kalpitiya Peninsula in Puttalam lagoon.

Sandalwood research has been granted Rs. 1.1 M by the National Research Council of Sri Lanka

2011-11-17T23:04:00.001+05:30

Recognising the value of sandalwood research conducted in Sri Lanka by Dr. Upul Subasinghe, the National Research Council has granted him Rs. 1.1 M for further sandalwood research in 2011. Dr. Subasinghe will conduct this research project with the collaboration of Mr. Dhanushka Hettiarachchi of the Wescorp Sandalwood Pty Ltd in Western Australia and Prof. John Fox of the University of Curtin Technology, Australia.

“There is a growing potential in investing sandalwood plantations in Sri Lanka by the public and also the income of the villagers in the areas where sandalwood can successfully be grown can be enhanced by supporting them to plant and maintain sandalwood in their homegardens” says Dr. Subasinghe. He further added that most of the villagers in Sri Lanka are not aware of the value of sandalwood and therefore they use this valuable tree for even their roofing constructions and as handles for agricultural tools.

Dr. Subasinghe and his team has successfully conducted preliminary research on sandalwood in Sri Lanka and published the findings in different journals such as proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Sandalwood Research Newsletter etc. They have already worked on oil quality variation between regions and within trees and the different nursery techniques that are essential to establish successful plantations. As a key finding, they have identified the sandalwood trees producing oil over 6% in Sri Lanka which is highly unusual.

With the National Research Council research grant, Dr. Subasinghe and his team will look into the oil variation, sapwood heartwood variation and growth variation of sandalwood in different agro-climatic regions. This study will further investigate the effect of different natural host species on oil quality and quantity.

Obtaining organic certification for man-made forests

2011-07-13T22:03:00.006+05:30

Abstract of a Seminar presentation

Sanduni Samarasekara

Forest Certification is being practiced in the industry since the 1990’s and presently, there are more than one standard or certification process that govern more than 3.2% of the world’s forest lands.

In the last decade, Forest Certification has acted as one of the most effective ways of promoting Sustainable Forest Management. It clearly addresses three issues; deforestation, maintaining the biodiversity and forest degradation. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) are some of the main Forest Certification systems in the lime light today.

Although, the present certification criteria address most of the issues in forestry, when considering man-made forests and plantations, they have not been able to put an end to the chemical usage in forestry, as in fertilizer, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides etc. Usage of these can offset the reduction in Carbon Foot Print that one hopes for by planting more and more trees. Additionally, there are the health problems caused by the heavy metal ingredients and other toxic matter. This scenario has provoked the need of an Organic Certification for man-made forests as well.

Organic Certification is not new to the globe or to Sri Lanka; it has been amongst in the form of Organic Certification for Agricultural Products and other food types. Since, no fixed criteria have still been derived for the Organic Forest Certification, one has to consult the prevailing Agricultural Organic Certification criteria and the FSC guidelines to obtain a clear picture. In this study, the candidate has chosen to make reference to two Organic Agricultural Standards, one from Sri Lanka and the other from India.

The possibility of obtaining Organic Certification for man-made forests is not only about deriving the guidelines. Further, a well defined market should be maintained in order to avoid market failures of this important non-governmental market instrument of Sustainable Forest Management.

Current status of obtaining carbon credits for forest resources

2011-07-13T22:00:00.001+05:30

Abstract of a Seminar presentation

Shanuda Maddumage

Kyoto Protocol laid in 1997 is the international treaty agreed to in principle by parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change to limit greenhouse gas emissions. This protocol assigned each developed country a greenhouse gas target to be achieved, on average, for the period 2008–2012.

The primary action to meet Kyoto targets is the reduction of emissions, or abatement. The protocol allows the use of other methods to assist countries in meeting the targets. These include emissions trading, joint implementation (JI) and the clean development mechanism (CDM). An emissions trading system, if introduced, is based on a permit authorizing the holder to emit a specified amount of greenhouse gas. Carbon sinks such as forestry plantations could be incorporated into this system by allocating credits for the amount of carbon sequestered (stored in plants), which could then be sold to emitters, allowing them to offset rather than reduce total emissions.

Carbon credit is an amount of carbon stored or sequestered in a carbon sink, which can be used by governments, or other entities, to offset greenhouse gas emissions. It is a tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit one ton of carbon or carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e).

Properly implemented and verified, forestry projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions or increase its sequestration over time can access new revenue sources through Carbon Credits. These projects are generally grouped into categories that relate to the management practices implemented on the property. For example, Afforestation/Reforestation projects plant native species on a land that has been previously converted to non-forest use. REDD (Reduced Emissions from Degradation and Deforestation) projects prevent the removal of existing forest stands and preserve them over long term. Improved forest management projects increase the carbon sequestration capacity of the land by changing to sustainable forestry practices.

Although these projects obviously have environmental benefits, selling carbon offsets from these projects is problematic in a number of ways. Some of the common problems associated with forest carbon credit projects are slow payback, reversibility risks (lack of permanence), leakage, methodological challenges, lack of space and availability of alternatives. Finding solutions to these problems are a major concern in post-Kyoto actions.

Sri Lanka, as a country with high canopy forest cover of 23.5% and a forest cover of 40% in general the potential to act as a GHG sink in forestry sector is very high. However due to lack of finance, lack of knowledge and because of the complexity and hard estimations in the procedure, Sri Lanka is not in a very strong platform in forest carbon credits.

Value addition to Teak plantations

2011-04-12T11:32:00.003+05:30

Abstract of a Seminar presentation

Hasini de Alwis

Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the most premier luxury hardwood timbers in the world. It is native to the Indian-Burmese floristic region and found naturally in India, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. It was introduced to Sri Lanka due to high quality wood by a Dutchman in 1680. Taungya method and participatory forest projects were two popular methods in establishing Teak Plantations at the beginning. At present teak plantations are maintained on state owned lands, private lands or as farmer woodlots. According to the Sri Lanka Forest Department, the present extent of teak plantation is approximately 45,000 ha which is distributed mainly in dry and low intermediate zones.

Value addition is a concept which an additional value is added to the product or service that has above the baseline. Teak Plantations are mainly managed for commercial purposes. Therefore the private plantation companies who export their timber have more concern about this concept.

Replacing lumber with reconstitute panels, polishing the furniture products, manufacturing timber products according to customer’s requirement, practicing seasoning methods and pre-treatment methods, obtaining certain forest certifications will add values to the end product.

Value additions can be done by increasing tree growth and timber quality of Teak plantations. Genetically improved seeds can be taken from clonal seed orchards, seed production areas.

Tissue culture to develop large scale uniform superior plants can also be practiced. Good silvicultural practices like proper spacing, pruning, weeding, thinning, pest and disease control can be done to produce high quality timber. Teak is grown as mixtures with Jak, Margosa, Eucalypts and Mahogany. Practicing agroforestry systems will provide additional incomes from agri crops and by doing so, the land is maximally utilised. Applications of organic fertilizer, fire management are some eco-friendly forestry practices can add values to the plantation.

Plantations are maintained by using the local labor. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain the structure of the local community in a way that provides a steady supply of reliable workers.

In Sri Lankan context, value additions to the plantation are not practicing properly. Advance silvicultural practices, promoting agroforestry systems, adopting appropriate new technologies and obtaining forest management certifications to the end products are recommended for the teak plantations to add values so that a better price and a better reputation can be obtained.

Value addition to Eucalypt plantations

2011-04-07T23:38:00.004+05:30

Abstract of a Seminar presentation

Ama Wickramarachchi

Eucalyptus is a native tree to Australia which is now widespread across the world because of its fast growing rates and adoptability to wide range of geographical area from lower altitudes to higher altitudes. There are about 700 Eucalyptus species recorded in the world. It was introduced to Sri Lanka in late 1800s as a fuel wood to the upcountry households and tea industry and later different species were introduced to dry, wet and intermediate zones of the country.

Eucalyptus plantations receive criticisms due to its effect on soil fertility and hydrology. However, most of these criticisms have now been addressed by value additions to those plantations as well as to the end-products through sustainable management which optimizes economic, environmental and social benefits of the plantations.

Good silvicultural practices, planting superior clones of hybrids and genetically modified high yielding, disease-free, non-splitting trees obtained via vegetative propagations and field trials and mixed plantations would improve timber quality and quantity within the plantation. Practicing agroforestry and promoting related industries such as beekeeping, extraction of Eucalyptus oils and Eucalyptus dyes would generate additional income to the rural communities. At the same time it maximises the landuse of the area. Adding organic fertilisers, managing plantations for longer rotational periods, fire management and trench management are some of the eco-friendly management practices that add values to the plantations.

Timber seasoning, pre-treatments, designs used in furniture manufacturing and forest certifications will add value to the end product.

When comes to local context, it is very limited that Sri Lanka follows any value additions at the plantation level. Therefore agroforestry, promoting related industries, advanced silvicultural techniques, research and development and obtaining forest certification can be recommended to follow in order to add value to the plantation.

At the end-product level, Sri Lanka has to practice more advanced pre-treatment methods and designs in furniture manufacturing have to be improved in accordance with the current trends. Forest certification to the end-product would surely add a more value at the market level, specially in international markets. Moreover, it is becoming a must to compete in most of the export markets. Therefore Sri Lankan manufactures need to concern at least in obtaining this certifications to the eucalypt plantations and its products.

Current status of forest certification in Sri Lanka

2011-04-06T07:11:00.004+05:30

Abstract of a Seminar presentation

Lanka Rathnayake

“Forest certification is the process of inspecting particular woodlands to verify if they are being managed according to an agreed set of standards’

There are several certification systems in the world. The forest stewardship council certification is one of them in Sri Lanka. The Forest Stewardship Council is an international non-profit organization founded in 1993 to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial & economically viable management of the world’s forests”. There are ten Forest Stewardship principles. It accredits certification bodies. It is a system for independent forest certification. It has introduced an international labelling scheme.

Center for the promotion of imports from developing countries has problems to promote non Forest Stewardship Council certified products. Sri Lanka will lose market share if it is not obtained. With Forest Certification new markets can be found, a higher price will be paid (around 3%) and forests will be saved for future generations. So, the main objective of this certification system is to establish a healthy and steady export environment for the wood processing industry of Sri Lanka.

There are several certification systems in forest certification as Forest Management Certification, Chain of Custody Certification and group certification. Control Union, SGS, SCS are the current accreditation bodies in Sri Lanka. Instead of national Forest Stewardship Council standards currently interring standard have been developed using generic standards in Sri Lanka.

There are thirty five Forest Stewardship Council certification holders in Sri Lanka. Forest Stewardship Council certified forest area in Sri Lanka is 31,657 ha. Fourteen Forest Stewardship Council Chain of custody certificates have been issued.

For Forest Management/Chain of Custody certification Kotagala plantation, Agarapathana plantation, Elpitiya plantation, and Kahawatta plantation are at final stage of inspection. Also two teak projects, one mahogany project and coconut project have been proposed for Forest Stewardship Council certification. To obtain Chain of Custody certification two printing companies are also proposed.

Current status of forest certification in Sri Lanka is at considerable level when comparing with other countries. At present, Forest Stewardship Council certification is confined mainly to the private sector in Sri Lanka. Demand for FSC certified products are also increasing. Group certification should be encouraged to fulfill the demand.

Bamboo planting project at Yagirala Forest, Sri Lanka

2010-08-29T19:05:00.008+05:30

Bamboo planting project at Yagirala Forest Reserve by a Sri Jayewardenepura University student

Savindi Caldera, a second year student in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka has launched a bamboo planting project inside the Yagirala Forest Reserve (http://www.sjp.ac.lk/~upul/Yagirala) in the wet zone of Sri Lanka with her fellow mates.

The aims and objectives of this project are to inform, educate, and demonstrate how bamboo can reduce the environmental impacts of global climate change, to balance the carbon foot print in the Kalutara area and to encourage and motivate the community to mitigate the effects of climate change.

She started this project after having a training in India under a British Council sponsorship. In fact, she represented Sri Lanka. This project is collaborated with the International Climate Change Championship Pogramme. The objective of her project is to enrich the river banks and stream banks by planting 200 bamboo seedlings. It is expected that those plants will significantly contribute to the aesthetic value and the biodiversity of the area.

Savindi has selected bamboo for this project due to several reasons. There is a great advantage of bamboo as it has an enormous growth rate. It sequesters 4 times more carbon dioxide than hardwood and releases 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. Further, bamboo does not require any fertilisers.

The net-like root system of bamboo effectively protects watersheds by stitching the soil together along fragile riverbanks, deforested areas, and in places prone to earthquakes and mud slides. A wide-spreading root system, uniquely shaped leaves, and dense litter on the forest floor also greatly reduces rain runoff, preventing massive soil erosion and effectively keeping twice as much water, in the watershed.

Savindi believes that planting bamboo trees is an effective implementation to balance the carbon footprint because it sequesters 4 times more carbon dioxide than hardwood. She hopes to further use her knowledge and experience gathered by following the subject "Forestry and Environmental Science" at the degree level to carry out this project successfully.

Savindi (5th from the left at the front row) and her fellow mates at the project site

A management plan for Albizia odorotissima

2010-06-07T22:29:00.006+05:30

A management plan for Albizia odorotissima

Abstract of a seminar presentation
Based on a hypothetically formed plantation company
Niranjan Kannangara

Albizia odorotissma is a medium sized tree highly valued for shade and soil improvement. It is a multipurpose woody legume which obtains a height of 22-26 m and diameter of 120-150 cm. On good sites five-year-old trees can be 5 m in height and 14 cm in diameter. A mean annual diameter increment of 1.3 cm. Albizia odoratissimatolerates a wide range of temperatures and rainfall. In its natural range the maximum shade temperature varies from 37°-50°C and the minimum from 0°-15°C. Normal rainfall varies from 650-3000 mm.

It is used as a valuble timber for furniture making, as a fuel wood, and fodder for cattle grazing. The species is used in a plantation located in Puttalam with an extent of 50ha. 625 trees are planted in 1 ha and entire land is utilized as batch wise. After demarcating, fencing and clearing is done before the seedlings are planted. In the initial year 1 ha plot is planted with 625 seedlings. Although the natural rotation age is 40 yrs we are expecting to harvest within 25 yrs by providing more favorable conditions. This species is more resistant for pest and Diseases. Weeding is done properly. After the pruning stage there will be 3 thinnings and then the final harvest. A net profit of 51 million is expected.

Establishment and maintenance plan for Michelia champaca

2010-06-04T22:18:00.005+05:30

Establishment and maintenance plan for Michelia champaca

Abstract of a seminar presentation
Based on a hypothetically formed plantation company
Upamali Perera

The management plan says what the user has to do to achieve objectives or management the forest. Plan makes policies real. It includes all activities related to plantation management. It means from land preparation to final harvest. It includes land preparation, nursery establishment, planting, weeding, watering, fertilizer, protection, pruning, thinning and finally the final harvest.

Michelia champaca has been wide spread all over tropical Asia. In Sri Lanka, it is found in wet and intermediate zones (village gardens in Kandy, Kegalle and Mirigama etc). It is a large evergreen tree with long cylindrical bole with 1.8 m in trunk diameter. The Bark is light grey, smooth about 1.27cm thick. Height is 14m-20m. Required Rainfall varies from 2250 – 5000 mm. It performs well in an altitude of 500 -1500m above msl. It is well suited for sandy loam soil and also it occurs on moist deep, well drained, good quality soil. The tree is a light demander and coppices well up to a fair size and it does not produce root sucker. It provides many products and services.

The hypothetical company created was Luxury plantations (PVT) Ltd. Vision of the company is to be a helping hand in saving our rain forests. Mission of the company is to meet future demand for timber in Sri Lanka by using sustainable forest management. The selected area to establish the plantation is Kegalle with a land of 50 ha. A barren land privately owned is cleared using machinery. Leveling is done. In the land, about 0.8 hectares of nursery area is established. Protection measures are taken like fencing the area with barbed wire. Site preparation will be done by ploughing and hoeing the land. It should have water as a perennial source to ensure adequate supply in hot weather and to reduce costs. Seeds are bought from the homegardens of Kegalle and Kandy areas. Seeds should be cleaned and dried in the shade. Nursery bed size is 1 meter wide, 15 cms high, 10 meters long or as long as the topography would allow. The nursery should be separated by a pathway of 30 cms, so that the beds can be weeded by standing on the pathway. Seed should be sown within two weeks of collection as it loses its viability very rapidly. Planting out nearly one year old seedlings at the break of the monsoon of the following year is done. Spacing is 1.8m x 1.8m. The first thinning in well-stocked plantations will normally be required in the 5th year. Trees are subject to the attacks by Urostylis punctigera, the champ bug, occurs as a pest, causing appreciable damage in pure plantations. Young plantations should be frequently inspected; Spacing with a suitable mixture, such as nicotine sulphate 1 part and soap 1.8 kg in 450 liters of water is helpful. Harvesting method is clear-cut system.

Establishment and maintenance plan for Dipterocarpus zeylanicus plantation

2010-06-04T22:09:00.004+05:30

Establishment and maintenance plan for Dipterocarpus zeylanicus plantation

Abstract of a seminar presentation
Based on a hypothetically formed plantation company
Deshika Kariyakarawana

Dipterocarpus zeylanicus, commonly known as “Hora” in Sinhala is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is a large tree attaining a height of 40m and a girth of 4m with a dense hemispherical crown. This is an important and common species in the low land wet evergreen forest where it occurs generally scattered below 1000m altitude. In river banks and well-drained alluvium, the species grows often vigorously. In wet evergreen forests which is generally storied, the top canopy consists essentially of dipterocarps.

The species regenerates freely and the seedlings establish themselves without much difficulty. Flowering is in January to February and fruiting is during April to May. Sapwood is pinkish white and heart wood is dark reddish brown. Strong hard wood timber comes under class I. After preservative treatments it can be used for railway sleepers, rafters, electric posts, beams, joists, heavy carpentry work and eminently suitable for underwater and marine work. Bark contains oleo resins.

Management objective of the plantation company is to optimise the land utilization by growing commercially viable and environmentally sustainable trees to invest at present to make profit after 35 years.

Plants will be produced in an own nursery with a six months nursery period. Seeds can be bought by villagers. Initially 988 trees per hectare will be established in the land of 50 hectare with the spacing of 2.5m×2.5m. Fertilizing will be done once per year until the 10^th year and weeding will be done for all 35 years. Two thinning operations are scheduled at 10^th year and 25^th year. Pest or disease attacks are not recorded for the species recently in Sri Lanka but termites can be a problem. Watering will be done using drip irrigation using water from the river at the boundary of the plantation nursery.

After felling the trees at 35^th year, logs will be sectioned in to 5m pieces and loaded in to containers for transport. Transport will be done by the customer. Estimated no. of trees in final harvest is 37050 with the total income of Rs. 12,327,244,592 including income from thinning. With some assumptions made for maintenance cost changes and timber price changes, in 35 years, expected profit is Rs. 11 billion. The IRR value is 24% at the end of 35^th year.

Management plan for African mahogany

2010-06-04T21:52:00.004+05:30

Management plan for African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis)

Abstract of a seminar presentation
Based on a hypothetically formed plantation company
Supun Nigamuni

Khaya senegalensis was introduced to Sri Lanka about 30 years ago and in the past 10 years it has become one of the priority species for timber plantation establishment in the dry zone. Timber is highly valued because of its beautiful figurative grain and its rich reddish mahogany brown colour. It is favored for furniture, high-class joinery, trim and boat building, railroad ties, flooring, turnery and decorative veneer.

A hypothetical company in the name of Greenwood Plantation Services Ltd was selected. Management objectives of the company are production of high-value; high-quality timber on sustainable basis to relieve the pressure on our valuable rainforests, practice commercial forestry by bringing in investors to invest in our plantations, achieve butt logs at harvest approximately 6 m in length and 40-60cm DBHOB with minimal taper and knots in 25 years, maintain plantation volume productivity, of 15-20 m³/ha/y merchantable volume over bark. Company is also aiming at achieving FSC certification enabling it to reach overseas markets.

A marginal land in the Dry Zone of 50 ha in Wellawaya is selected by using indigenous knowledge & checking soil parameters. Land Demarcation is carried out by surveying and establishing boundaries. Land is divided in to 10 perch blocks in order to attract small scale investors. Plots near the main roads or boundaries of the land and if there is a tank or natural scenery plots associated with that is kept by the company as a security. Main road of 20 ft, sub roads of 12 ft will also be demarcated. Land clearing, removing shrubs, clear debris is carried out in late September, holing & planting carried out in early October targeting the NE monsoon. 800-1100 trees/ha will be planted with a spacing of 3m × 3m. Live fire belt will be established using Hana.

Proper maintenance practices will be established including fertilizing up to 4 yrs and after the PCT with a mixture of N:P:K 9:13:9. Three commercial thinnings are carried out at the ages of 11yrs, 15yrs, 20yrs. Creeper cutting is carried out from the 1^st year while pruning carried out from 4^th year before and after the rainy season. Watering is done using drip irrigation up to 6 years, 4l/day in the dry season. Harvesting will be done using clear felling at the age of 25 yrs. In its natural range, K. senegalensis can be severely attacked by shoot borers (Hypsiphylla robusta). Such attacks may result in misshapen trees with no timber value. Carbofuran can be used to minimize these attacks.

At present harvest of 1 m³ of > 1.5m log in the local market is Rs. 13,830.00. Assuming 6% annual increase of Khaya lumber prices in 25 years it is projected to be Rs. 34,580.00. By doing a detail cost benefit analysis it is evident that the company will make an aggregate profit of Rs.1.4 billion in 25 yeas.

Establishment and maintenance plan for Pericopsis mooniana

2010-06-01T00:02:00.007+05:30

Establishment and maintenance plan for Pericopsis mooniana

Abstract of a seminar presentation
Based on a hypothetically formed plantation company
Sarath Ranaweera

Pericopsis mooniana (Nedun) is a perennial tree of family Fabaceae. Mature height and dbh of this species are 20-30m and 30-70cm respectively. The trees are usually located in low land wet zone forests. Timber of Pericopsis mooniana works well with the tools. It has high durability. Colour of heart wood is dark brown and sap wood is pale in colour. It is good for furniture paneling, veneer and turnery production.

Nedun Plantation Company will start to establish a commercial Nedun plantation in June 2010. It is an investment company with Eco-friendly business plan. The company hopes to provide Nedun timber to local market and provide employment opportunities for rural people. For this proposes a land is selected in Karapagala, Mathugama. It is a barren one due to long term Tea cultivation, as well as due to high soil erosion.

The land should be developed using sloping agricultural land technique. Then Gliricidia is used to soil enhancement because it is a Nitrogen fixing and Nutrient recycling tree. Coir dust is applied as a mulch and Gliricidia shoots are lopped and laid on ground as twice per year. In addition to that Desmodium is planted as live mulch.

Nedun seedlings (purchased from FD) are planted in May-June of 2011 after totally killing of Desmodium using Glyphosate. Then Nedun and Pepper seedlings are planted. N.P.K. ratio (9:13:9) fertilizer is added to Nedun plants in first three years and just after PCT at year 7. Two pruning treatments must be done at age 4 and 7. Creeper cuttings are conducted twice per year until year 5. At pre-commercial thinning, 500 trees are removed at 7 years age. Pepper yield can be obtained from year 3 to year 13 of Nedun plant age. At year 13 of Nedun plants, 1^st commercial thinning is done to remove 300 trees. This practice cannot be done with Gliricidia and Pepper. Therefore they are removed before this thinning. Gliricidia timber can be sold as fire wood. After that, the 2^nd commercial thinning is done and sold as timber at 20 years age by removing 150 trees. We assume 0.3m³ volumes at 13 years, 0.5 m³ volume at 20 years and 1.0m³ volume at 40 years from a tree. Pest and diseases threats are minimal to Nedun plantation. Most of the time leaf eating caterpillars make damages. There is no severe damage after 3 years of Nedun plant. Therefore contact poisons can be applied within nursery period to first 3 years whenever necessary. There is a minimum threat to occur a forest fire, because this plantation is located in the wet zone. Most of the time surrounding people tend do illicit felling. Therefore the company expects to provide security using four watchers. One other benefit in addition to above of Pericopsis mooniana is that it can used to prevent soil erosion due to the heavy crown. It is also a carbon sink and create scenic value as a natural forest are more important through environmental view.

Establishment and maintenance plan for Cedrela toona

2010-05-28T21:42:00.006+05:30

Establishment and maintenance plan for Cedrela toona

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Based on a hypothetically formed plantation company

Sadeepa Senarath Yapa

Establishment and maintenance plan for Cedrela toona is prepared by a company named as Evergreen Plantation Limited who is willing to establish a commercial toona plantation in a barren land of upcountry. The company is mainly targeting to obtain a maximum profit by selling toona timber which is popular as a veneer and used for decorative purposes.

This large tree species is a moderate shade demander whose best growth is at the elevation of around 1200m. As we have a barren land of 50ha with no shade trees we have planned to plant Acacia decurrens two years prior to planting toona in the spacing of 4.5m*4.5m. These Acacia plants will be removed completely form the site 7 years after planting them to provide more space for the growing of toona trees.

Land Preparation, planting and other treatments such as weeding, fertilizing, thinning, pruning and pest and disease control will be carried out in a very careful manner in order to obtain maximum volume of timber at the end of the rotation age of 30 years. Fencing and fire lining will be done in the early stages of the plantation establishment to prevent manmade and natural damages to the plantation.

Final stock will be 225 trees per ha which will be removed by shelter wood system to minimize environmental damages which can be occurred in clear felling. Selected trees will be felled, extracted the moved to roadside and transported to the local market.

Effect of farmer woodlots on farmers

2010-04-08T19:26:00.004+05:30

Evaluation of farmers woodlots in the aspects of growth and effect on farmers

Thilina Jayarathne and Upul Subasinghe

Paper presented for the 14th International Forestry and Environmental Symposium 2009

The total forest cover of Sri Lanka is estimated as 32% from the total land area. More than 50% of this area lies in the dry zone where the original forests have been cleared drastically. Plantation forests are therefore being established particularly with exotics as local species are very slow growing, despite their very high timber value. Teak was the first exotic species introduced to Sri Lanka by Dutch in the 17th century for replanting purpose. Other than planting by Forest Department of Sri Lanka, the other methods of establishing teak plantations were community forestry projects (CFP), and now by participatory forestry projects (PFP).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the farmers' woodlot programmes to identify the effects on farmers. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain information on their socio-economic status and management constraints from Anuradhapura, Thambuttegama, Kekirawa Ranges (Anuradhapura Forest Division), Habarana Range (Polonnaruwa Forest Division) and Galgamuawa Range (Kurunegala Forest Division). The questionnaire was distributed among randomly selected ten farmers of each plantation (altogether 214 plantations).

The results revealed the inadequacy of current lease agreement (25 years) and 100% of the respondents wanted to have an extension varying from 5 to 50 years. Moreover, 98% of the total respondents agreed to implement this programme for a second rotation. Farmers have been given a proper guidance by the government officers during the initial establishment stage of the farmer's woodlots. However, it has become inadequate with the time, especially when pruning and thinning are required. Elephant's damages and lack of water are the major problems faced by the most of the farmers. However, according to the farmers, there were minimum elephant damage after plantations become naturalised as witnessed in the Rambukwewa plantation in the Kekirawa range.

Results and direct observations also indicated that some lands given to establish farmers' woodlots are marginal lands for plant growth. Most of lands also indicated frequent fire and erosion. Since teak needs comparatively more nutrients for plant growth, it is recommended to evaluate the chosen sites for (i) the available nutrient levels, (ii) required timber species to match the site quality and (iii) the required growth rate.

In order to enhance the income of the farmers, it is recommended to start the second cycle of woodlots soon after completing the present one, perhaps with better management techniques. However, the plantations vulnerable for elephant damages should not be replanted using teak unless there is an effective protection system. Otherwise such plantations should gradually be converted to natural dry zone forests by the local species such as Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica.

Timber production in high density planting of Rubber

2010-02-18T11:23:00.003+05:30

Timber production in high density planting of Hevea brasiliensis (Rubber)

Kelum Silva, Upul Subasinghe and Lakshman Rodrigo

Paper presented for the 14th International Forestry and Environmental Symposium 2009

The demand of natural rubber has increased continuously with the increase of population and living standards of the human being. Rubber plantations are also a major source of timber and fuels wood. In order to meet the continuous increase in demand for latex, timber and fuelwood, the productivity of rubber plantations should be increased. Whilst producing high yielding clones for improved latex and timber yield per tree which is a long-term process in perennial crops, planting density could be adjusted to obtain high productivity in rubber plantations. The present level of planting density of rubber in Sri Lanka has been decided on the experiments conducted with the genotypes which are not in common use at the moment. Therefore the present study was aimed to identify the suitable planting density for the recently developed and commonly used genotypes of rubber. This paper is focused to assess the timber production of rubber with respect to high density planting.

The experiment was set up in Rathnapura District of Sri Lanka in 1992. Rubber was planted in three high densities, i.e., 600, 700 and 800 trees per hectare. Also three genotypes (clones), i.e., RRIC 100, RRIC 110 and RRIC 121 were incorporated with the statistical design of split plot where the planting densities were laid as the main plot whilst clones were in the sub-plots. Five trees in each sub-plot were randomly selected and used for the measurements of total tree height (TH), crown height (CH), thickness of the untapped bark (BT) and tree diameter at breast height. Thereafter, stem volumes were determined using the Newton’s formula.

Both TH and CH did not vary significantly among the planting densities tested. Although not statistically significant, there was a marginal decrease in tree diameter with the increase in planting density. Irrespective of the clone used, BT and mean merchantable timber volume per tree decreased significantly with increase in planting density. Nevertheless, this decrease was compensated by the increased number of trees in high densities resulting in comparable level of merchantable volume per hectare among different densities. Total stem volume per tree remained same among four densities tested with that total stem per hectare increased significantly with the increase of planting density. Therefore, higher densities are more useful in the industries of fuelwood, pulp, MDF boards etc. Among the clones tested, the clone RRIC 212outperformed in growth and timber production. The clone RRIC 110 was infected with the Corynespora disease hence showed poor performance in all densities. Despite the increase in total timber production with the increase in planting density, overall financial viability of different densities is to be assessed considering all cost components and valuing both timber and latex produced before making any firm recommendation.

Establishment of relationships of growth at 7-year old mahogany trees with selected site factors

2009-12-21T18:58:00.002+05:30

Establishment of relationships of growth at 7-year old mahogany trees with selected site factors in low country wet zone, using GIS as a tool

Himesha Randeni and Upul Subasinghe

Paper presented for the 14th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2009

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is an exotic tree, which is heavily adapted to the climatic conditions of wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. Although the state sector manages mahogany with longer rotations, private sector expects to achieve the maximum timber yield within a shorter period. Due to the land scarcity, many of these mahogany plantations have been established in barren and rubber uprooted lands which were heavily degraded. Therefore the soil conditions and site factors directly affect the growth of the mahogany within short rotations.

The present study was carried out in a 7 years old mahogany monoculture plantation established in Gomaragala, in low country wet zone of Sri Lanka to find out the effect of soil and site factors to the mahogany tree growth. Extent of this forest is 20.7 ha and it is managed by a private plantation company. This forest has been divided into 2 lots for the purpose of administration and further divided into 240 plots of 20 perch each.

In order to identify the relationships, tree dbh and height were used as growth parameters. Slope, bedrock establishment and terrain were selected as selected site factors. The growth parameters (i.e.dbh and height) were measured for all the trees in plantation (one measurement from each plot). Slope and terrain as geographical parameters were measured of all 240 plots in the entire plantation.

Since the regression based methods were not adequate for both qualitative as well as quantitative parameter analysis, GIS based analysis was decided to use for the present study, using ArcView 3.3. In order to create digital maps, the survey plan of the selected forest was digitized and georeferanced using 10 ground control points collected by a GPS data receptor. Then the georeferanced base map was digitized to demarcate all the plots and other land marks. After that different maps were prepared in vector form separately for each parameter. However, for the analysis, all these vector layers were converted to raster layers. Raster layers were then reclassified and overlaid two or three layers at a time with the growth parameters to identify the effects. Then map analysis was completed to make decisions regarding tree growth in different site factors.

Results revealed that there are significant relationships between tree growth and the selected site parameters. However, the best conditions for the mahogany tree growth in the particular area are the slope between 11⁰-24⁰, and shallow bedrock prevalence and stony terrain.

Change of crown diameter with dbh of mahogany

2009-12-21T18:43:00.005+05:30

Change of crown diameter with dbh of Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany)

even-aged monocultures

Shanika Lakmali and Upul Subasinghe

Paper presented for the 14th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2009

Mahogany is one of the renowned timber species for its beautifully grained, hard and red-brown wood. It is an introduced timber species, dominated in Sri Lankan forest plantations with fast growth rates and higher timber value. Mahogany plantations are widely established in the intermediate zone and low country wet zone in Sri Lanka. Recently, private sector has started to establish of mahogany monocultures with shorter rotations to gain high income.

Due to the lack of research studies on mahogany, the objective of the present study was to establish an empirical model to predict crown diameter accurately using dbh. For this purpose, data were collected from 16 mahogany monocultures in Kalutara, Ratnapura and Matale districts. In order to represent the whole plantation, sixty trees were selected from good, moderate and poor areas from each plantation.

In order to build a reliable model, theoretical basic structures were developed assuming the crown diameter is a function of tree dbh. This basic structure was fitted to the data as linear, exponential, and logistic form separately for different growth types. In addition to the untransformed variables, transformations were also made whenever possible. Suitable candidate models were preliminary selected by R2 and residual distributions. After further analysis, it was proven that the best results were given by the logistic model structure for good, moderate and poor site types (R2 = 92.0%, 71.4%, 65.9% respectively). In order to eliminate the difficulty of using separate models for different growth types, the possibility of using a common model for all growth types were tested. For this reason, one way ANOVA was used for residuals of different growth types generated after fitting respective models. Results indicated that it was possible to use a common model and therefore the logistic form was re-fitted to pooled data.

The final model was “crown diameter = 0.645 + 2.682 / (1+exp (-0.356 (dbh –7.749)))” and it had a R2 of 60.9%.

Establishment of relationships of growth with site factors and some selected soil parameters of a selected 7 years old mahogany plantation in Eheliyag

2009-11-30T23:49:00.003+05:30

Establishment of relationships of growth with site factors and some selected soil parameters of a selected 7 years old mahogany plantation in Eheliyagoda DS, using GIS as a tool

B.Sc. Dissertation

Himesha Randeni and Upul Subasinghe

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is an exotic tree, which is heavily adapted to the climatic conditions of wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. Although the state sector manages mahogany with longer rotations, private sector expects to achieve the maximum timber yield within a shorter period. Due to the land scarcity, many of these mahogany plantations have been established in barren and rubber uprooted lands which were heavily degraded. Therefore the soil conditions and site factors directly affect the growth of the mahogany within short rotations.

The present study was carried out in a 7 years old mahogany monoculture plantation established in Gomaragala, in low country wet zone of Sri Lanka to find out the effect of soil and site factors to the mahogany tree growth. Extent of this forest is 20.7 ha and it is managed by a private plantation company. This forest has been divided into 2 lots for the purpose of administration. However, for the sales purposes it has been divided into 240 plots.

In order to identify the relationships, tree dbh and tree height as growth parameters; slope and terrain were selected as geographical factors as well as soil texture, soil organic carbon level and soil pH levels were selected as soil parameters. The growth parameters (i.e.dbh and height) were measured of all the trees in plantation. Slope and terrain as geographical parameters were measured of all 240 plots in the entire plantation. Soil parameters namely soil pH, soil organic carbon and soil texture were measured for systematically selected 50 plots out of 240 plots to represent the entire plantation. There are some qualitative parameters namely tree growth, terrain, presence of bedrock, included into the present study. These were usually assessed to give a single value for each plot.

Since the regression based methods was not adequate for both qualitative as well as quantitative parameter analysis, GIS based analysis was decided to use for the present study, because it serves as an analytical and decision supporting tool. ArcView 3.3 was used for this purpose. In order to create digital maps, the survey plan of the selected forest was digitized and georeferanced by main 10 ground control points collected by a GPS data receptor. Then the georeferanced base map was digitized to demarcate all the plots and other land marks. After that different maps were prepared in vector form separately for each parameter. However, for the analysis, all these vector layers were converted to raster layers. Raster layers were then reclassified and overlaid two or three layers at a time with the growth parameters to identify the effects. Then map analysis was completed to make decisions regarding tree growth in different site factors and soil conditions with similar other environmental conditions. Since the soil pH, soil organic carbon level and soil texture were measured in selected 50 plots out of 240 plots, the raster layers were interpolated for entire area.

Results of the present study revealed that there are significant relationships between tree growth with the selected parameters. However, the best conditions for the mahogany tree growth in the particular area are the slope between 11⁰-24⁰, soil pH level bellow 4.0, soil organic carbon range between 9.0%-14.0%, soil with sand between 50%-70%, shallow bedrock prevalence and stony terrain.

Changes of branch and crown characteristics with stem parameters and age of Swietenia macrophylla even-aged monocultures

2009-11-30T21:24:00.011+05:30

Changes of branch and crown characteristics with stem parameters and age of Swietenia macrophylla (mahogany) even-aged monocultures

B.Sc. Dissertation

Shyanika Lakmali and Upul Subasinghe

Growth predictions in the plantation forestry play a vital role in order to maximize the future gains specially in the field of economy. Plantations of mahogany monocultures in private sector directly focus in the timber production and thereby the financial gain. Tree growth is accompanied with the photosynthesis process and it increases the stem parameters of the trees. Therefore there is a close relationship between crown development and tree growth. In addition to that, crown growth causes a competition after the canopy closure in the forest plantations.

The main objective of the present study was to establish a series of empirical models for predicting the relationships between stem, crown and branch parameters. In addition to that an attempt was taken to predict the above parameters with age. It was expected to use those relationships to prepare a pruning schedule for mahogany monoculture plantations in Sri Lanka.

In order to achieve the objectives, data were collected from 16 mahogany monocultures in Kalutara, Ratnapura and Matale districts. In order to represent the whole plantation, due to growth differences, sixty trees were selected from each of plantation as twenty trees from each good, moderate, and poor growing areas. The measurements were taken including dbh, total tree height, crown diameter, height to the first branch, height to the second branch, branch lengths and base diameters up to two branches.

Regression analysis was employed to build the suitable relationships between related variables. Both linear and non-linear regression equations were tested for each relationship using MINITAB and GENSTAT statistical software. In order to obtain the best equations, both qualitative (R²) and quantitative (residual distribution and fitted line plots) were used. Initially, the data were grouped as good, moderate and poor growth types. Then different theoretical model structures (linear with untransformed and transformed variables, exponential and logistic) were separately fitted to those data. After that the best model was selected for each relationship for each growth type. At this point, it was a must to select the similar model structure (with different regression parameter sets) for each relationship in each growth type.

According to the results, crown and branch variables were highly correlated with the stem variables such as dbh and total height. Therefore the predictions of the crown and branch growth could be expressed by using dbh and total height. It was not possible to build linear relationships and

In order to predict the required variable, 12 non-linear models were constructed. Then the possibility of using a common model for all growth types was tested for each variable with pooled data. However, only three models out of 12 models proved the possibility of using as common models for all growth types. The rest of models were therefore decided to use as growth specific ones.

Finally using those models, a pruning schedule was prepared for different growth types of mahogany monocultures in

Sri Lanka

Challenges faced by the private sector in establishing teak plantations in Sri Lanka

2009-09-30T13:08:00.003+05:30

Challenges faced by the private sector in establishing eak plantations in Sri Lanka

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Prabhani Jayasekara

Teak was introduced to Sri Lanka in 17th century by Dutch. It was widely planted in dry and intermediate zones after 1950s. Teak has a long history of systematic management. The earliest Teak plantations in Sri Lanka are traced back to the late seventeenth century. Teak planting, which was once mainly the domain of government forest departments, is today attracting the interest of the private sector. The private sector has taken advantage of technical developments has succeeded in attracting private individuals to invest in teak.

Many private companies involve in Teak planting in Sri Lanka such as:

Forestree Investments limited - a subsidiary of Access Group of Companies

Sadaharitha Plantations Limited

HELP GRRN “Wanasarana” Teak Plantation Project

Green Vision Lanka Private Limited

In Sri Lanka first private sector large scale commercially managed teak plantation was started by Help Green (Pvt) Ltd in 1998 with a unit which is equivalent to a land extent of 41.6 perches with 100 teak trees.

The expected final harvest of the private forest plantations are much shorter than that of the Forest Department plantations and therefore very high financial inputs are necessary to uplift such plantation conditions.

Among the major challenges faced by the private sector in establishing teak plantations, land unavailability, social issues, environmental issues, lack of scientific information and research, management problems and unforeseen catastrophes (insects, pests, animal damages, weeds, and uncontrolled fires) become prominent. Quality of timber cut from private sector plantations will also be a major issue because timber cut from old teak trees which grow slowly in natural forests is more durable and harder and teak from young trees grown in plantations may be more prone to splitting and water damage.

The private sector Teak planters have successfully identified many of the above mentioned challenges and they have taken actions in order to avoid economic loss which can be caused due to those issues.

Challenges faced in establishing khaya plantations in Sri Lanka

2009-09-26T11:15:00.004+05:30

Challenges faced by the Forest Department in establishing khaya plantations in Sri Lanka

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Benica Jayasekara

Khaya senegalensis is the scientific name for khaya, which belongs to the Family Meliaceae. It is commonly known as African mahogany or dry zone mahogany. It’s a fast growing tree species in dry conditions and grows up to 20-30m in height. Timber of khaya is hard, dense and reddish brown in colour.

Khaya is one of the major timber species used by the Forest Department in reforestation programs in dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. It was introduced from Africa during 1960’s. However, most of the khaya plantations of Sri Lanka are less than 10 years old.

The reasons for the use of Khaya by the Forest Department is the high demand for timber, fast growth rates in dry and intermediate zones, tolerance to poor site quality and resistance to heavy weed competition, harsh conditions and diseases and pests (except borer). Moreover the rural community prefers khaya over teak because khaya is morphologically more similar to the native species in Sri Lanka. In addition to those, wild elephants do not damage khaya trees.

According to the Forest Department, khaya was selected as the best tree species for the dry zone. There are however, a few challenges faced by the Forest Department in establishment of khaya plantations. Expensive seeds, low seed viability, fertilization, weeding, multiple shoots, porcupine damage, black twig borer attack, red stem borer attack and the forest fires as examples.

Forest Department had taken remedial actions for these challenges and still they are doing further studies to improve the khaya plantations. Still the khaya plantations in Sri Lanka are less than 10 years and therefore the Forest Department might face more problems with the time, because the rotation age of khaya is 30 years and still the yield tables for this species has not been prepared.

Status and possibilities on forest certification in Sri Lanka

2009-09-22T23:28:00.003+05:30

Status and possibilities on forest certification in Sri Lanka

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Manuri Gamage

Forest certification found its roots in the concern over rapid tropical deforestation in the 1980s and the 1990s. It is a process which results in a written certification being issued by an independent third party, attesting to the location and management status of a forest which is producing timber. Forest certification also provides consumers with a credible guarantee that the product comes from environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable sustainably managed forests.

Sri Lanka has adopted only FSC certification by an independent, non-profit organization, formed in an effort to establish a global system for certifying that products come from well-managed forests. Only three multinational certification bodies accredited by FSC are currently issuing certification in Sri Lanka.

At present, certification is confined mainly to the rubber plantation sector in Sri Lanka. Only four such companies currently hold FSC forest management certification, out of large-scale plantation companies in Sri Lanka. Forty-two percent of the country's plantations are owned by small holders. Therefore, this group plays a key role in the rubber industry as well as in supplying raw materials to wood-based industries. None of the small-scale rubber plantations in Sri Lanka are certified. Out of the many manufactures only nine companies have obtain the chain of custody certification.

Facilitating group certification for small rubber plantation owners to obtain forest certification, encouraging certified plantation owners to focus on high-end species such as teak and mahogany where there is great potential to capture price premiums, building awareness among plantation owners of advantages of obtaining the certification other than price premiums, seeking new export markets for the certified timber and timber products, obtain approval for the FSC National standards and implement within the country, encouraging local organisations to obtain accreditation from FSC as a certification body, developing an internal certification scheme with its own standards can be mentioned as some of the potentials in forest certification in the country.

Why indigenous species were not popular in Sri Lanka?

2009-09-20T22:54:00.007+05:30

Why indigenous species were not popular in Sri Lanka in plantation establishment?

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Piyumi Nanayakkara

Forestry has two main functions to fulfill which are recognised as protection and production. Due to significant reduction in the natural forest cover in Sri Lanka during the recent past through the agricultural development, shifting cultivation and settlements; the functions that can carry out by natural forests were reduced. That means natural forests were unable to provide these two functions at required level. Therefore forest plantation establishment was started in Sri Lanka.

Utilisable timber plantations in Sri Lanka mainly consist of man-made forest plantations belonging to Forest Department (96,250 ha), companies under the Ministry of Plantation Industries (16,463 ha), private companies and rubber and coconut plantations. According to the data recorded in the past, it is clear that most of the tree species used for the plantation establishment were exotics such as Teak, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Pine and Mahogany.

Data on indigenous and exotic species were collected through the literature survey to select the most suitable species for plantation establishment, based on three selection criteria named as growth and management characteristics, end product characteristics and Usefulness of the species.

Results concluded that exotics are the most suitable and popular plantation species that recommended for Dry, Intermediate and Wet climatic zones in Sri Lanka. Monocultures of exotics cause certain shortcomings, however, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore there is no secret of selecting or popular of exotics in plantation establishment compared to indigenous species in Sri Lanka.

There are some indigenous species suitable as plantation species such as Kohomba, Ebony (Diospyros ebenum), Jak (Artocarpus heterphyllus), Mara (Albizia sp), Halmilla (Berrya cordifolia), Hora (Diptercarpus zeylanicus), Kumbuk (Treminalia arjuna) and Lunumidella (Melia dubia), however, they were not popular for plantation establishment as exotics due to several poor characteristics such as relative low growth rate and having longer rotation length, very low volume compared to exotics, poor wood working qualities, unavailability of straight bole, lack of published information on Indigenous species and felling restrictions etc.

Challenges faced by the private sector in establishing mahogany plantations

2009-09-17T14:21:00.005+05:30

Challenges faced by Private Sector in establishing mahogany plantations in Sri Lanka

Abstract of a seminar presentation

Madhushan Lankathillake

Mahogany is one of the important exotic timber species which is used for forest plantations in Sri Lanka. Mahogany was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1880 and it was used as plantation species in 1887. Later mahogany plantations were established in low land wet zone and low land intermediate zones. Private sector involvement in establishing large scale mahogany plantations started in late 90’s. When establishing mahogany plantations private sector had to face various types of challenges.

Finding a suitable land to establish plantations is one of the main such problems. In wet zone most of the fertile lands are used for agriculture crop cultivation. Therefore available lands are infertile or abandoned lands such as abandoned lands after planting rubber for a long time period. Additional effort must be needed to improve these infertile lands. Lands with steep slops, ridges or rocky lands also cause several problems. Damage to the seedlings caused by shoot borer attack is another major problem. Effective low cost methods of controlling shoot borer attack have not been found so far.

In order to provide shade, mahogany seedlings are planted under the canopy trees but when these trees are removed mahogany seedlings may get damaged. An EIA has to be done when removing naturalized canopy treesif the area is over 5 ha in extent. These canopy trees absorb fertilizer applied to mahogany seedlings and this will cause reduction of growth of mahogany trees. In the wet zone weed growth is very fast. Mahogany seedlings have to compete with the weed growth. Therefore during first few years of planting weeding must be done properly.

Available lands also do not have proper access so that transportation of seedlings and equipments aree difficult. Most of the plantations do not have nurseries with in their plantations. Therefore they have to buy seedlings from other nurseries and this is an additional cost for the companies and seedlings may also get damaged while transporting.

Moreover, scientific research has to be done to generate improved varieties which are resistant to shoot borer attack and tolerant to light. Low cost and effective methods of controlling shoot borer attack must be found out. A proper fertilizer regime for mahogany has not been developed yet. There is a lack of previous growth data and yield tables for mahogany within private sector. Sometimes people’s interest in investment in forest plantations will be changed in the future. Loss of trust on investment and economic crisis in the country as well as in the world will be barriers on investment in present situation. Reduction of investments will be a financial restriction in establishment of forest plantations.

In order to obtain an additional income, herbal plants and spices can be planted within the sites of mahogany at early stages. An proper system must be introduced to reduce the barriers and time consuming legal procedures which have to be done for canopy removal and final harvesting. Further, scientific research must be done with the involvement of the government departments and experts in the field. Appropriate procedures have to be found out to utilize carbon sequestration potential of plantations to gain an additional income. Programs and necessary background have to be created where an international investments in forest plantation sector is allowed.