Influence of diameter class on lumber yielding of two native species from Mozambique

Abstract

In a technical bulletin designed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the importance of studies in Mozambique to assist in decision-making techniques that aim to improve incomes of sawmills in the country was emphasized. Because of the species used and the industry´s low technological level, this study was carried out in order to assess the lumber yield of two tropical species, in a sawmill in Chimoio, Manica Province, in the central region of Mozambique. We used trees of Combretum imberbe (mondzo) and Pterocarpus angolensis (umbila), selecting 12 logs from each species. The logs were divided into three diameter classes (four logs in each class). Logs were sawed with band saw, in successive tangential unfolding model. Lumber yielding for both species increased depending on the diameter class, with statistical differences of lumber yielding between the two species and in the three diameter classes. C. imberbe had higher yield compared to P. angolensis, with results considered satisfactory for wood unfold of both native species from Mozambique.