The thermal degradation of the wood of two commercially used eucalyptus species from South Africa, namely Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus macarthurii was studied. Both are valuable pulpwood species and the financial loss due to wildfires each year is significant. This study aimed to understand how ...

Wild edible fruits (WEFs) are important non-timber forest products (NTFP) that are commonly grouped with other wild foods or NTFPs in general. We hypothesize that WEFs, other wild foods, and non-food NTFPs contribute in different ways to household economies. Using data collected through a survey of ...

Accurate on-site identification of appropriate alien clearing methods can realize significant cost savings for heterogenous sites. We developed a cost-based model accounting for site parameters such as infestation density, slope, obstructive vegetation density and site-access. These parameters are...

Although many studies have examined the contributions of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to rural livelihoods, relatively few consider the context in which income shares are shaped. A core one is the local agro-ecological potential because it moulds possible land use options and the potential...

This study assesses the current mode of forest use and management at rural community level in South Africa with a view to locating space for forest-based green growth initiatives development and factors that might shape the uptake of such initiatives. This was done with respect to the need to...

An assessment of the feasibility of using a Malwa 560C combination harvester/forwarder in a selection type first thinning operation in the Highveld region of South Africa was conducted. Each of the machine components, harvesting and forwarding, were assessed separately with resulting machine...

We describe literature-based research on the viability of whole-culm bamboo as a construction technology for South Africa. South Africa has one bamboo species considered suitable for construction, namely Bambusa balcooa, found in various parts of the country. Quantitative production figures are not ...

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared containing wood from six different tree species invasive to South Africa, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and three different compatibilisers, namely poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), polyethylene-graft maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) and thermally...

African forests are under increasing pressure to supply local, regional, and international demand for timber. Much of this trade is unregulated, such that there is increasing concern regarding the ecological sustainability of this resource use. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the...

The prevailing approach of total clearing to contain the spread of invasive plants (IP) in South Africa is generating enormous lignocellulosic wastes. This study examined the possibility of utilizing these wastes in the production of geopolymer composites for use in outdoor environments. Untreated...