Description

This study was conducted in two logging site in Uganda to collect information on major factors responsible for the current wood waste and ground surface disturbances during logging in order to provide a basis for future selection of the most suitable and appropriate forest harvesting methods and techniques in plantation forests. The two plantation forests selected were Mafuga on steep slopes and Katugo on flat terrain, where Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) and Conventional Logging (CL) methods were compared. Data on logging productivity, cost, wood waste and ground disturbance were collected and analysed. Felling production rates were found to be lower under RIL. In Mafuga for example, felling production was 16.39 m3/hr as compared to 25.78 m3/hr when using CL. In Katugo productivity was 20.40 m3/hr when using RIL as opposed to 34.47 m3/hr when applying CL. This was because directional felling (RIL) consumed more time than the random and uncontrolled felling during (CL). Productivity however can be improved if workers practice more directional felling and undergo more RIL training courses.