Browsing by Author "Matonyei, Thomas Kibiwot"

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    Production Capacity, Efficiency and Recovery Rates of Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula Lumber from Selected “WoodMizer” Band Sawmills in Kericho County, Kenya
    (East African Journal of Forestry & Agroforestry, 2022-07-15) Mulwa, Boniface Mueke; Sirmah, Peter Kipkosgei; Matonyei, Thomas Kibiwot
    Conservation of forests is slowly shifting into a more proactive approach such as efficient lumber conversion in sawmills. This suggests a need to explore the use of modern sawmilling machinery in lumber conversion that produces low residues, wastage, and hence high recovery. This study looked into the production capacity, efficiency, and recovery rates of Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula lumber from selected “WoodMizer” band saws (LT15, 20, and 40) sawmilling machinery in Kericho County, Kenya. Wood logs delivered to each respective sawmill yard were categorized into ten diameter classes, ranging from 10 to 59 cm for both species. Volume of four logs from each class and species was evaluated using Huber’s formula, (1995) and converted using through and through sawing techniques into lumber with each “WoodMizer” band saw. Volume of the lumber pieces and residues obtained were measured. The time taken during the conversion process was also recorded in order to determine the efficiency and lumber production capacity of each sawmill machines. Recovery of C. lusitanica gave average empirical values of 43%, 49%, and 53% in comparison with 39%, 34%, and 60% for P. patula using WoodMizer LT15, LT20, and LT40 respectively. P. patula produced the most residues at 61% and 66% compared to C. lusitanica at 57% and 51% per log volume for LT15 and LT20 respectively but less from LT40 (47%) for C. lusitanica and 40% for P. patula logs. WoodMizer LT40 recorded the highest daily production capacity for both C. lusitanica and P. patula (15.9 m3/day and 16.2 m3/day) respectively. This was followed by WoodMizer LT20 at 11.2 m3/ day and 9.6 m3/day for C. lusitanica and P. patula respectively. WoodMizer LT15 had the least production capacities of 8.8 m3/ day and 9.9 m3/ day for C. lusitanica and P. patula respectively. These results suggest adoption of “WoodMizer” band sawmilling in Kenya for sustainable forest resource.Article
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    Survival and Growth of Olive Tree (Olea africana) Seedlings Under Open Field Conditions is Enhanced in Hydrogel Amended Soils Media, Teso Subcounty, Kenya
    (East African Journal of Forestry and Agroforestry, 2022-10) Roselyne Awino Orure; Kipkosgei, Sirmah, Peter; Matonyei, Thomas Kibiwot
    The rapid decline of timber from natural forests against increasing domestic demand for wood products has caused a steady increase in timber prices in Kenya. Recently, research and development institutions have recognized the ecological and economic value of indigenous tree species and therefore have emphasized the importance of their future production on private smallholder farms rather than in large plantations. This situation has been worsened by climate changes such as the frequent high intensity of prolonged droughts and the nature of soils with poor water retention capacity. As a result, unplanted forest regeneration sites have increased hence a need for re-afforestation of these sites to meet the target for the plantation industry. Therefore, there is a need for mass production of Olea africana seedlings for reforestation programs. One such approach is the application of hydrogels or synthetic polymer organic combinations capable of improving the water and nutrient retention of the soil that can support seedling growth. This study sought to investigate the effects of hydrogel application on selected growth characteristics of O. africana. Seeds were germinated and transferred into two sets of tubes of the same size arranged in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) experiment. The sets were subjected to different levels of hydrogel concentration. Under (0gm as control) and 7gm, 14gm, and 21gm) concentration levels of hydrogel mixed with soil in open field conditions. The height and shoot collar diameter of germinated seedlings were measured every two weeks for two months. The survival of O. africana seedlings decreased with time for all treatments irrespective of the addition of hydrogels with the highest (85%) survival of seedlings on soils mixed with 21gm of hydrogel compared to 0gm hydrogel that recorded (15% survival) eight weeks after