IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 11 NO. 4 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijaes.vol.11.no4.2025.pg122.129

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Effect of Altitude on Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Eucalyptus globulus

Donatus Teikam Mbianda, Titus Fondo Ambebe, Bertine Tiokeng

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Abstract

In the Congo basin, Cameroon harbors close to 300 wood species but only one-third of this resource is exploited. Moreso, the wood construction sector relies on Eucalyptus globulus whose selection for use is influenced by growth conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the morphology and mechanical properties of wood from Eucalyptus globulus trees growing at a high (1803 m) and low altitude (1213 m) site in Mezan Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Ten Eucalyptus globulus trees, aged 28 – 30 years old, were randomly selected from the high and low altitude sites. Leaf area, diameter at breast height, and height of the trees were measured. Wood samples of a standard dimension were obtained from the trees at each site and analyzed for flexural and compressive strength. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance at a significance level of 0.05. There was a significant effect of altitude on leaf area and tree height but no tree diameter. Leaf area declined from the high to low altitude site while tree height displayed a reverse trend. Both Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity were significantly higher at low than high altitude. The findings indicate that altitude should be taken into consideration when selecting Eucalyptus globulus trees for construction and other uses.

keywords:

Altitude, Bamenda Highlands, Eucalyptus globulus, Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity.

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