Tropical silviculture in dense African forest (Part 2)

Abstract

In the second part of the article, the author explains forestry methods employed in the dense forests of Africa based on artificial regeneration. The “Taungya” method is not at all extensively applied in forest areas. The “Limba” method, employed in the Congo, was to establish a plantation of Limba stumps (Terminalia superba) at intervals of 6 to 9 m or 12 to 14 m in a completely destroyed natural forest. With the “Okoumé” method, used in Gabon over some 16,000 ha, trees are planted at intervals of 4 to 5 m by direct seeding or after destruction of the forest. The "Martineau" method, used in Côte-d'Ivoire in the 1930s, involves close planting (2,500 seedlings per hectare) in natural forest, with very gradual removal of the canopy. The “Deforested Strip” method is very extensive, and produces enriched stands by introducing seedlings into strips cut vertically into the natural forest at 25 m intervals (13,000 ha in Côte-d'Ivoire). The “Patch” method introduces closely planted saplings in 4 x 4 m squares in the natural forest. Shrubs and canopy are then gradually removed from these squares.