EFFECT OF SPACING ON PERFORMANCE OF TEAK AT LONGUZA, TANGA, TANZANIA

Abstract

The performance of teak (Tectona grandis) planted at four square spacings (1.5,2.0,2.5 and 3.0 m) at Longuza, Tanga, in Tanzania was assessed. The variables studied were diameter at breast height (dbh), total height and height to the first live branch, survival, number of branches, basal area and volume production at ages 1,3,7 and 9y, and basic density and some strength properties at the age of 14 y. Results showed that dbh, number of branches, total height, basal area, basic density and some strength properties were significantly affected by spacing (p = 0.05). The diameter at breast height and number of branches increased with increasing spacing, while basal area decreased. All other variables were not significantly affected by spacing. A spacing of 3.0 m resulted in large diameter trees and later thinnings, with less total volume per hectare. The current spacing of 2 m resulted in higher volume per hectare of small sized trees which could be improved by thinning. It is recommended to continue with this spacing and the current thinning schedule until information on the economic implications of alternative regimes is available.