Project/activity information

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Project/activity ID PD133/91 Rev.1 (I)
Title TECHNOLOGICAL AND DENDROLOGICAL STUDY ON SCHINOPSIS (ANACARDIACEAE) IN CHIQUITANIA AND THE BOLIVIAN CHACO
Status

COMPLETED

Executing agency
CENTRO DE DESARROLLO FORESTAL
GENERAL DIR. STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Budget
ITTO: $129.900,00
JAPAN $129.900,00
Project total budget: $218.125,00
Summary
This project researched wood properties and natural regeneration of selected species from the Schinopsis genera growing in the natural forests of Southeastern Bolivia. Five species were included in the studies: S. brasiliensis, S. cornuta, S. glabra, S. haenkeana and S. quebracho-colorado.

The wood properties and technology studies included: (i) the description of the wood anatomy; (ii) the determination of physical and mechanical properties; (iii) determination of wood tanning content; and (iv) laboratory and field tests on wood durability.

The wood technology research results allowed the preparation of technical sheets with detailed description of wood characteristics and wood properties of the species studied. The results indicated that all the five species have the required strength and natural durability for use in both heavy construction and railway sleepers. These properties, coupled with the attractive color and texture of studied timbers, also indicate that the species could be used in the manufacturing of higher value products such as parquet and wood turnings. The high tannin contents indicate that the industrial extraction of tannin polyphenols could also be economically feasible. However, results of field studies on the species natural regeneration, which included the establishment of five permanent field plots, indicate that natural regeneration of Schinopsis species is not occurring at adequate rates, and the current selective harvesting of best trees of Schinopsis species is adding to the problem. The project recommended the implementation of appropriate forest management plans in southeastern Bolivia, as well as the adoption of appropriate incentives for development of plantations with these species.
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Project/Activity document
Completion report
Technical report(s)