Optimal Rotation Interval of Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) Plantations in Bangladesh

Abstract

     The rotation interval for akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) plantations in Bangladesh is discussed for fuel wood and timber under strip plantation, woodlot, and community forest management systems. The rotation interval was calculated on the basis of the market price, the market mechanism, and the costs and returns of akashmoni plantations during 2000–2001. Considering the present management system, the mode of marketing, the market mechanism, and all economic criteria, the rotation interval of akashmoni species may be fixed at 8 years for fuel wood and 13–15 years for timber. The average market price of round wood and fuel wood was US $147.24 per m³ and US $0.72 per md (1 md = 37.3261 kg), respectively. The elimination rate varied from 5 to 90 percent depending on the plantation, the year, and the location, with values of 5 percent in the areas of Dinajpur, Bogra, and Dhaka and more than 50 percent in Tangail and Jessore. If the Net Present Value is considered as the rotation criterion, the rotation interval may be prescribed at age 15 years for timber. If the Internal Rate of Return and the Land Expectation Value are considered, the rotation interval may be fixed at 13 years for timber. Considering available data from plantations aged between 5 and 17 years, the recommended optimum rotation interval for timber and fuel wood was 15 and 8 years, respectively. At 15 years, the plantation was mature for timber use while fuel wood was a priority at 8 years as it was not necessary to use mature plantation wood.