Bamboo poles for engineered-bamboo products through improved clump management and Harvesting: Lessons for the Philippines

Issue Date

10-2013

Abstract

The Philippines is developing engineered-bamboo products (e-bamboo) from locally-available bamboo species such as kawayan tinik (Bambusa blumeana), bolo (Gigantochloa levis), and giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper). E-bamboo products include composite boards, reconstituted panels and laminated flattened culm products from bamboo that are intended for modular furniture, cabinetry, as well as floors and ceilings in modern home construction. The poor quality of bamboo raw materials that go into the mill hampers efforts to commercialize e-bamboo production in the country. The inferior quality of bamboo poles has been attributed to the absence of proper clump management and poor harvesting, transport, handling, and post-harvest operations. This study documented commonly-accepted and traditional practices employed in the propagation, management, and harvesting of bamboo poles in the Philippines. Generally, farmers lack understanding of the need for proper bamboo clump management and silvicultural treatment to stimulate growth and development of good quality culms. Harvesting, cutting, and transport are done during times of the year traditionally considered as the best to produce poles that are less prone to decay, or when handling and transport are deemed convenient. In practice, little attention is paid to avoiding surface defects and preserving pole quality. This paper argues that management interventions in growing bamboo poles and application of scientific harvesting methods will contribute to achieving culm quality and quantity needed to meet the projected high demand for e-bamboo raw materials. The study recommends a) the conduct of capacity-building for farmers, gatherers, and bamboo growers on appropriate silvicultural treatment and harvesting techniques, b) raising awareness on the economic benefits of clump management and conversion of unmanaged to managed bamboo stands, c) conduct of a comprehensive bamboo resource assessment for the country, d) formulation and implementation of regulations on management and harvesting of bamboo, and e) establishment of a standard grading system for bamboo poles.

Source or Periodical Title

Ecosystem & Development Journal: A Journal on Tropical Forests and Natural Resources

ISSN

2012-3612

Volume

4

Issue

1

Page

39-49

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

figs. ; tables

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

BAMBOOS; HARVESTING; FOREST PRODUCTS; PRODUCTS; PHILIPPINES

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