Shabani Chamshama

• Sokoine University of Agriculture

Globally, multiple ecosystem services are increasingly becoming an important agenda in sustainable forest management. However, it is still unclear which forest management practices would lead to an optimal bundle of ecosystem services promoting sustainability. This study aimed to determine whether implementing thinning schedule and 30 years rotatio...

This study compared soil physical and chemical properties in Tungya and Non-Taungya plots at Sao Hill Forest plantation, Tanzania. Soil samples were collected from 0-20cm depth in February and May Using a zigzag pattern to ensure representative coverage. Physical properties (bulk density, porosity, Soil moisture content, soil texture) and chemical...

Biochar (B) has low nutrient content and is recalcitrant to biodegradation. Supplementing B with a fast-releasing nutrient source may improve soil fertility and physical conditions and increase crop productivity. A three-season field study was conducted on sandy loam and sandy clay loam textured soils to investigate the effect of B mixed with lives...

Nursery practices are integral to the successful germination, growth, and survival of tree species. However, limited attention has been given to the establishment, management, and performance of seedlings of many indigenous tree species in nursery settings. This study investigated the performance of Pericopsis angolensis seedlings under varying nur...

Spacing is a silvicultural practice that affects the growth of trees in forest plantations. However, the yield depends on growth, which is determined by spacing. In addition, spacing influences the quantity of the final crop available for harvesting, specifically in forest plantations for sawlog production. Spacing is also used as a management prac...

Article Info Importance of the work: Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is of significant economic importance. It was introduced to Tanzania in the early 20th century for commercial purposes. However, there is limited available information regarding the growth performance of teak seeds obtained from various localities. Objectives: To assess the performanc...

Heavy reliance on biomass fuels in form of charcoal and firewood from natural forests and woodlands has consequence on deforestation and land degradation in most developing countries. Alternative sources of fuelwood such as on-farm short rotations coppices has the potential to supplement already depleted sources for environmental sustainability. Th...

Observing thinning schedule in commercial tree plantation is crucial if the final crop of desirable quality is required. However, there is limited information on thinning compliance to thinning schedule of Tectona grandis (Teak) in Tanzania. This study was undertaken to assess thinning compliance and its effects on the growth and yield of Teak at M...

Pericopsis angolensis species survival is reported to be low in nurseries. Given the high dormancy tendency of Legume family, it is speculated that, pre-sowing treatment of Perocopsis angolensis seeds may result in improved germinability. Different attempts of breaking the dormancy to enhance germination have been done. However, the difference in e...

Thinning regime implies stands thinned at successive intervals, type, and intensity influencing growth and yield. Teak Forests in Tanzania are the main source of hardwood raw materials however thinning operations are not properly implemented. The purpose of this study was to determine whether thinned stands could impair the eventual projected growt...

Entandrophragma bussei Harms ex Engl. (wooden banana) is an important indigenous multipurpose tree species endemic to Tanzania. The species has a long history of human use but recent increased utilization pressure, deforestation and high mortality rate of seedlings threaten the survival of natural populations in the wilderness. Therefore, to facili...

Smallholder forestry is experiencing many challenges like limited understanding of silvicultural treatments to impact the quality and performance of woodlots. This study determined the silvicultural treatments of smallholders in Mufindi district by interviewing 78 respondents then assessing the silviculture of 78 woodlots in 13 sampled villages. Th...

Agriculture is characterized by low production and expansion into forests and woodlands rather than increased productivity leading to deforestation and land degradation in sub-Saharan Africa. Use of appropriate low input agricultural and other land management technologies may increase production and benefit smallholder farmers through increased pro...

Entandrophragma bussei (wooden banana) is a high value indigenous multipurpose tree species prioritized for domestication in Tanzania. However, we lack adequate information on genetic and phenotypic variation to support domestication processes, while utilization pressure on the remaining stocks and deforestation are intensified. The study evaluated...

Agriculture forms a backbone of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) thus has the potential to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, agriculture in the SSA is characterized by low production due to soil fertility depletion. Use of appropriate low input agricultural technologies may increase production and bene...

There is a renewed interest to improve sustainable wood production from African savanna but our knowledge on management of individual tree species to optimize harvesting return times is limited. A factorial experiment was therefore established to assess the effects of stump diameter and height, and coppice thinning on growth and yield of Albizia ha...