EFFECTS OF DEVIATING FROM RECOMMENDED THINNING PRACTICES ON CYPRESS PLANTATIONS IN KENYA

Abstract

Practical adherence to the recommended thinning and cutting practices and their effects on the development of Cupressus lusitanica (cypress) plantations in Kiambu District, Kenya in terms of total volume and value yields, and distribution of trees and volume to diameter classes are examined. Data were collected from 27 plantations aged between 3 and 26 y in Kiambu District during the period August-November 1984. Although the original plan was to collect data from the plantations which had attained the rotation age (30 y ), it was not possible to do so because the plantations were clearfelled much earlier - mostly between 24 and 26 y. Analysis of the data showed that the recommended thinning and cutting practices were not adhered to.