SYNOPSISPropagation of African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) by air layering (marcotting) was investigated at Sao Hill, Tanzania, aiming at providing an alternative propagation technique to the use of seeds or cuttings that germinate or root poorly. Air layers were initiated on the young shoots (1 -2 years old) of mature O. lanceolata trees growing at Sao Hill catchment Forest. After root initiation, which took 8 weeks, they were detached from the parents, potted in polyethylene tubes and reared at the nursery for a further three months. The factors assessed in this experiment were the effect of time at which air layers were initiated (i.e. February, June, September and December); and the influence of IBA as rooting promoter at three concentrations (50, 100 and 150 ppm). From the data collected it was observed that rooting success of up to 80% can be achieved from air layers, making this propagation technique a viable alternative to seedlings or cutting propagation. Rooting success was influenced by both the season and application of rooting hormone with optimal rooting being achieved during June and September with the addition of IBA at a rate of 50 ppm. The significance increase in rootability of air layers during June and September may be linked to the advantage of the dry season in Tanzania where reduction of plant development activities such as budding, leafing and flowering in the dormant dry season might have reduced resource competition and thus promoting the observed rooting.
Miombo woodlands is one of the major forest vegetation types covering about two thirds of the country forest land and form an integral part of the rural landscape in Tanzania, also they play crucial role in providing wide range of ecosystem services including carbon sequestration. This study aimed at assessing the effects of degradation on the structure and carbon stocks of miombo woodlands. Data were collected from 50 rectangular plots measuring 40×20 m. Stump diameter, diameter at breast height, tree height and species local and botanical names were recorded. Analysis was done by using R software and excel spread sheet. Results showed total harvesting of 10.53 m 3 ha-1 as compared to standing volume of 32.6 ± 2.3 m 3 ha-1 with basal area of 4.73 ± 0.5 m 2 ha-1. Estimated annual harvesting was found to be 6.63 ± 3.0 m 3 ha-1 which exceeds mean miombo annual increment of 4.35 m 3 ha-1 year 1 , this is indicator for unsustainable utilization which could results into woodland change. Harvesting resulted into total loss of 4.1±0.9 tCha-1 equivalent to 15.05 ± 3.3 tCO 2 eha,-1 new harvesting presenting 9.91 tCO 2 e ha-1 and old 5.14 tCO 2 eha-1. Managing the miombo woodlands carbon stocks for emissions and climate change mitigation in Tanzania and elsewhere requires rigorous effort to reduce anthropogenic degradation.
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