Silvicultural Management, Tree-Ring Analysis and Timber Quality Improvement in Zambian Forest Plantations: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Abstract Forest plantations play a critical role in meeting demand for timber, poles, pulpwood, fuelwood and other forest products while reducing pressure on natural forests. In Zambia, plantation forestry is dominated by exotic species, particularly Pinus and Eucalyptus, but timber quality is influenced by silvicultural practices, site conditions, climate variability, pests, diseases and management interventions. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on silvicultural management, timber quality improvement and dendrochronological applications in Zambian forest plantations. Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, literature published between 1980 and 2026 was identified from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Library, CAB Abstracts, Google Scholar and additional forestry and institutional sources. The review evaluates species–site matching, spacing, thinning, pruning, weed control, fertilization, fire management, pest and disease control, and the use of tree-ring analysis to understand growth dynamics, climate responses, wood formation and rotation-age decisions. A total of 1,624 records were identified, 1,310 were screened after duplicate removal, 382 full texts were assessed, and 142 studies met the inclusion criteria. Because of substantial heterogeneity among studies, thematic synthesis was used rather than quantitative meta-analysis. The evidence indicates that management interventions can influence stem form, diameter growth, knot development, wood density and timber value, while dendrochronology provides long-term information on growth patterns, climatic responses, disturbances and management effects. Integrating silvicultural management with tree-ring monitoring offers a practical framework for improving timber quality, growth modelling and climate-adaptive plantation management in Zambia.
Reference
Brian Mulenga Nsofu; Kasamba Hatimbula. (2026). Silvicultural Management, Tree-Ring Analysis and Timber Quality Improvement in Zambian Forest Plantations: A Systematic Review. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-11253585/v1
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