Possibilities for irrigated forestry in the Rhodesian (Zimbabwe) lowveld

• Main Authors: Barrett, R. L, Woodvine, F
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Research Division, Zimbabwe Forestry Commission (email: research@frchigh.co.zw) 01.01.1972
• Subjects: Adansonia digitata; amenagement forestier; arboles forestales; arbre forestier; arvore floresta; atividade floresta; bois; ciencias forestales; clim; clima; climat; Climate; Colophospermum mopane; ecologia floresta; ecologia forestal; ecologie forestiere; Eucalyptus grandis; floresta de uso multipl; floresta protegid; forest ecology; forest management; forest resources; forest soils; forest stands; forest trees; foresterie; foresterie a objectifs integres; forestry; foret protegee; GFIS; madeir; madera; manejo floresta; monte protegido; multiple use forestry; Natural vegetation; ordenacion forestal; peuplement forestier; peuplement semencier; pomar de semente; Populus deltoides; povoamento floresta; protected forests; recurso floresta; recursos forestales; ressource forestiere; rodal semillero; rodales; seed orchards; sociologi; sociologia; sociologie; sociology; Soil; sol de foret; solo floresta; suelo forestal; Trial plots; uso multiple del bosque; Water regime; wood; Lowveld, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT One hundred and thirty-eight unreplicated trial plots of forest trees covering 13 genera and 45 species were established under irrigated conditions in the Rhodesian (Zimbabwe) Lowveld, an area of high average temperatures and low, erratic, seasonal rainfall. The summary of results by species shows that growth, although very variable has in many cases been remarkably fast. The coniferous species tried have been unsatisfactory in most respects. The greatest successes have been achieved with the genus Eucalyptus where some very high volume increments have been indicated. Slower, but still satisfactory rates of growth have been achieved by some other valuable hardwoods. Irrigation was not uniformly applied and was discontinued after about two years and the harshness of this region was indicated by obvious signs of drought stress in plots having no access to seepage water, when irrigation was withdrawn. Maximum rates of growth that might be achieved under sustained irrigation are at present a matter for speculation, and there is an obvious need for research to establish these and provide information on other factors. Limited tests on this very young, fast-grown material encourage the view that it will be suitable for a wide range of uses, including transmission poles, sawn timber and peeler logs. It is believed that irrigated forestry could make a significant contribution within major irrigation schemes.