Performance of different plantation sawmill technologies in Uganda

Abstract

This study determined timber volume and timber value recovery of different plantation sawmill technologies. Data were collected from four sawmills in three forest plantation clusters. A two-way ANOVA was used to test the difference in performance between sawmill technologies and the combined effect of sawmill type and log diameter on performance. Sawmill technology significantly (p < 0.05) affected timber volume recovery and value recovery. The medium band sawmill had both the highest volume recovery (43%) and value recovery (209,700 UGX/m³) whereas the mobile circular sawmill had both the lowest volume recovery (26%) and value recovery (90,000 UGX/m³). The interaction effect of sawmill technology and log diameter significantly (p < 0.05) affected timber volume and value recovery. Mean timber volume recovery of sampled sawmills was 32% while value recovery was 123,800 UGX/m³. Studies on effect of market demands and sawyer’s skills on volume, value and throughput and how they can be optimized to improve profitability and sustainability of the resource are recommended.