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Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012.
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University of Pretoria
2013
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| _version_ | 1867613463149281280 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Brink, Michal |
| author_browse | Brink, Michal |
| author_facet | Brink, Michal |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2012 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria E13/4/465/ |
| description | Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/30939 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:36:32.683Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2013 |
| publishDateRange | 2013 |
| publishDateSort | 2013 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/30939 Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi Brink, Michal Chirwa, Paxie W. Ngulube, Elisha Stephen Timber harvesting Extraction Time study Viphya forest UCTD Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. At least 200,000 m3 of timber are harvested annually using semi-mechanised harvesting systems (SMS) on the Viphya forest plantations in Malawi. Although these systems have long been used on the Viphya, no investigation on their productivity has so far been reported. The absence of local productivity models created uncertainty about the importance of sitebased factors that influence timber harvesting productivity of these systems on the Viphya. Secondly, there is paucity of information regarding the appropriate timber harvesting systems for production maximisation and cost minimisation. This study aimed to develop prediction models for estimating the productivity and costs of semi-mechanised and simulated mechanised timber harvesting systems on the Viphya forest plantations. The study was conducted in Pinus kesiya stands at Kalungulu and Champhoyo forest stations of the Viphya forest plantations. A work study approach was followed to capture harvesting time and volume data. Stepwise multiple regressions were used to develop felling time models for a chainsaw over tree size, inter-tree distance, slope, ground condition, brush density, and ground roughness; and skidding time models over distance, slope, ground condition, ground roughness and volume skidded per cycle for a grapple skidder. Models were statistically validated. Secondary work study data for semi-mechanised systems were simulated for mechanised productivity based on local site factors. The study had shown that diameter at breast height and inter-tree distance were important factors that best explained felling time prediction models in Pinus kesiya stands on the Viphya forest plantations. Similarly, distance from stump to the roadside landing was the most important factor in addition to volume load, slope and ground conditions that determined grapple skidding time. Mechanised systems appear to be more advantageous than semi-mechanised systems. The former are associated with lower operating costs and inventories with relatively high production rates. Therefore, mechanised systems could help to optimise timber harvesting productivity on the Viphya. Further studies should be conducted to determine the effect of different ground conditions and roughness on skidding productivity. Plant Production and Soil Science MSc Unrestricted 2013-09-09T07:51:50Z 2013-06-28 2013-09-09T07:51:50Z 2013-04-12 2012 2013-06-21 Dissertation Ngulube, ES 2012, Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi, MSc Dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd <http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30939> E13/4/465/gm http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30939 http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06212013-123721/ © 2012 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria E13/4/465/ application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | Timber harvesting Extraction Time study Viphya forest UCTD Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi |
| title | Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi |
| title_full | Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi |
| title_fullStr | Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi |
| title_full_unstemmed | Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi |
| title_short | Prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi-mechanised systems in Viphya forest plantations, Malawi |
| title_sort | prediction of timber harvesting productivity for semi mechanised systems in viphya forest plantations malawi |
| topic | Timber harvesting Extraction Time study Viphya forest UCTD |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30939 http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06212013-123721/ |