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Melaleuca leucadendron (L): Potentials For Plantation Forestry In The Coastal Mangrove Area Of Nigeria And The Prospects Of Its Successful Intergration Into Agroforestry Practices Like Aquaforestry And Apisiviculture


JO Ariwaodo
D Nwiisuator
KA Adeniji

Abstract

The paper examined the potentials of Melaleuca leucadendron(l) for plantation forestry in the coastal mangrove area of Nigeria. A baseline data on growth and yield at 2m by 3m espacement and at twenty-three (23) years of age showed an average survival percentage of 86.7 with a mean annual increment (MAI) of 5.5m3 per hectare per year. This value exceeds the average production for most indigenous mangrove tree species which is put at
between 4 to 5m3 per hectare per year. The prospect of integrating the tree species in a suitable Agroforestry practice such as Aquaforestry and Api-silviculture was proposed. However, there is a need to kick-start and
intensify research work on provenance trial, Stem formation; spacing; canopy development; range of tolerance of site and quality of produce to ensure maximum benefits. The tree species does appear to be a viable option in
the management of the coastal area for timber production and by extension, address the problem of rural poverty and climate change.

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eISSN: 1597-0906