Lumber Industry

By Liliana Usvat

Blog 244-365

Canada

As part of its restructuring, the industry lost thousands of jobs which produced substantial gains in productivity. These gains have helped it maintain positive profit margins somewhat comparable, on average, to those reported in the manufacturing sector during the 1999 to 2005 period.

The value of lumber industry manufacturing shipments fell 14.9% in 2005 and 17.5% in 2006 to reach $11.9 billion. This was the lowest level in 14 years. 

USA

However, despite relatively steady production volume during the period, employment fell markedly starting in 2001. Presently there is a healthy lumber economy in the United States, directly employing about 500,000 people in three industries: Logging, Sawmill, and Panel. Today, more than ever, many more workers rely on the industry for employment. Annual production in the U.S. is more than 30 billion board feet making the U.S. the largest producer and consumer of lumber. Despite advances in technology and safety awareness, the lumber industry remains one of the most hazardous industries in the world.

The United States remains the largest exporter of wood in the world. Its primary markets are Japan, Mexico, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Due to higher labor costs in the United States, it is common practice for raw materials to be exported, converted into finished goods and imported back into the United States.

More raw goods including logs and pulpwood chip are exported than imported in the United States, while finished goods like lumber, plywood and veneer, and panel products have higher imports than exports in the U.S.

As old-growth forest disappeared rapidly, the United States' timber resources ceased to appear limitless. Canadian lumberman James Little remarked in 1876 that the rate at which the Great Lakes forests were being logged was "not only burning the candle at both ends, but cutting it in two, and setting the match to the four ends to enable them to double the process of exhaustion."

China

 In the second half of 2008, China’s total log imports declined in 2009 to 28.1 million m3— a staggering 24% drop from 2007’s peak. Chinese log imports in 2010 are projected at about 31 million m3 — still some six million m3 below the peak level of 2007.

Softwood lumber exports from Russia have expanded, as have imports from Canada, the U.S., New Zealand and other regions. China’s growing demand for fibre is unlikely to be met by domestic and imported logs alone, and has therefore created a huge opportunity for lumber imports.

Chinese lumber imports are projected to double over the next five years to 12 billion bf or more simply to meet China’s growing appetite for wood fibre.

During the first eight months of 2012, Russia, Chile and New Zealand have increased their shipments to China, while volumes from North America have declined.  China imported logs and lumber worth 4.3 billion dollars.

Russia

Exact statistics are not available for Eastern Siberia, but logging pressures are clearly centered around the forests west and east of Lake Baikal, a World Heritage site and one of Russia's ecological crown jewels (For information about illegal logging along the shore of Lake Baikal, see FSF-5).

 50 per cent of total timber harvest in the Primorsky Region may be illegal and therefore not reflected in official statistics.

A 2001 assessment by the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis found the stock of "mature and overmature" forests (essentially conifers) in the RFE decreased from 7.1 billion cu. m in 1961 to just 5.5 in 2000.

When compared with the structure of the present-day industry, the Soviet era timber industry was more balanced. In 1989, in the Russian Far East, almost half of all timber production was used regionally, while 25 per cent was sent to other regions of the former Soviet Union, and 30 per cent was exported abroad. Processed timber (sawn wood, plywood, etc) accounted for 20 per cent of the region's total timber production [5]. Today, processed timber is just 7% of total production and the region now exports more than 70% of its total harvest.

Argentina

 It is also estimated that the consumption of wood products from cultivated forests is 5.3 million cubic meters, and sustainable wood supply to the year 2015 will be more than 20 million cubic meters. Argentina, however, is not a major consumer of wood products. For instance, wood is not commonly used in building construction. About 60 to 70 percent of wood product production is used for internal consumption (wood boards, plywood, cellulose pulp, etc.) and the rest for exports.

The forestry industry does not supply all of Argentina’s needs. Most of the harvest is used for lumber, with smaller amounts for firewood and charcoal. 

An estimated 1.115 million hectares (2.8 million acres) were planted as of 2005. It is estimated that this year, between 40,000 to 50,000 hectares (100,000 to 124,000 acres) will be cultivated mainly in the Mesopotamia region (the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, and Entre Ríos). Among the most important species cultivated in the country are pines and eucalyptus, representing 50 and 30 percent of production, respectively.

Japan

Japan is the world's largest importer of wood, pulp, and paper products that are traded on the world market. Thus, Japan's impact is felt in many countries around the world, including the USA, Canada, Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Chile and many others. About one third of all logs exported from Malaysia and Russia, plywood from Indonesia and sawn wood from Chile are destined for Japan. Almost all of the woodchip exported from Australia, the USA and Chile is also headed to Japan.

Outside Japan, Japanese timber and trading corporations are known for their devastating logging techniques and their violation of community rights to resources. For example, in 1990 the Japanese paper company Daishowa blatantly disregarded the Lubicon Lake Indian Nation's land rights in Alberta, Canada and began clear-cutting the forests of the Lubicon territory.

Japan's forests cover 66% of the land, making it one of the most heavily forested countries in the world. However, after liberalizing timber import in 1960, the Japanese wood self-sufficiency rate has consistently decreased from 86.7% to 19.2% in 1999. The Japanese forest industry has been defeated by cheap wood shipped from abroad. The cheap price, however, does not include environmental costs.

Links

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-621-m/11-621-m2007055-eng.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_lumber_industry_in_the_United_States

http://www.forestsmonitor.org/en/reports/548670/549162

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forestry_in_Argentina

Eastern Hemlock Tree Medicinal Uses

By Liliana Usvat

Blog 243-365

Scientific Name Tsuga canadensis

Favoured: Moist-Wet soil,sand, loam, partial shade to full shade,

Maximum Height: 30 m

Provides food & shelter for wildlife

The eastern hemlock can live for up to 800 years.

Eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis)are shade tolerant and thrive in acidic soils in moist, cool environments (Rooney et al, 2000). They can be found in certain areas across the United States including northern Michigan, New England, New York, and Eastern Canada including most of the maritime provinces and Quebec (Godman & Lancaster, n.d.). Its presence has been noted as diminished in the Great lakes, St-Lawrence and Acadian regions (Fuller 1998). This species has an extremely slow growth rate and individual trees are long-lived. 

Eastern hemlock grows from sea level to about 730 m (2,400 ft) in elevation in the northeastern and northern portions of the range. Most commonly it is found on benches, flats, and swamp borders, provided the peat and muck soils are shallow (Aquic Haplorthods or Aerie Haplaquods). On the Allegheny

Plateau, especially in New York and Pennsylvania, most of the hemlock grows between 300 and 910 m (1,000 and 3,000 ft) (35). In the southern Appalachians the most frequent occurrences are at elevations of 610 to 1520 m (2,000 to 5,000 ft) and often are restricted to north and east slopes, coves, or cool, moist valleys (35). Outliers tend to be severely restricted by a combination of edaphic and climatic factors.

Medicinal Uses

First Nations people also harvested parts of eastern hemlock for traditional medicine. The inner bark was used to make poultice for wounds and the vitamin C rich leaves were used for tea (Nesom, 2012).

Leaves
Twigs with many needles used in tea to treat kidney ailments. Steam from tea used to treat rheumatism, colds, and coughs.

BarkUsed in tea to treat colds, fevers, diarrhea, coughs, and scurvy. Also has astringent properties. Bark poultice used for treating bleeding wounds.

NotesTannins in the twigs and leaves are believed to be responsible for all medicinal effects. Hemlock leaves contain some vitamin C. Bark may also be useful for tanning leather.

Ecological Significance of Eastern Hemlock

The Eastern Hemlock is an important component of the eastern deciduous and mixed forests. Individual trees are long-lived and have impacts on the structure, function and composition of a forest (Fuller 1998). It has effects on the hydrological process within a forest as it has year-round transpiration rates that are highest during the spring (Ford & Vose 2007). This affects the water flow through a forest ecosystem. In the winter months, the canopy of the tree shields the ground below from the snow, and provides a habitat for ruffed grouse, wild turkey and larger browsing fauna such as white-tailed deer.

Seedling Development

Despite the high frequency of cone crops and the long duration of cone production by individual trees, the viability of eastern hemlock seed is usually low. Germinative capacity commonly is less than 25 percent (36). In one locality only 2.1 viable seeds were produced per cone, 2.2 were destroyed by insects, and the remaining 8.0 seeds were empty (29)

Official State Tree of Pennsylvania

The hemlock (Tsunga canadensis) was designated official state tree of Pennsylvania in 1931.

Guava Tree Medicinal Uses

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 242-365

Other Names:  Bayabas



Guavas are plants in the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae) genus Psidium, which contains about 100 species oftropical shrubs and small trees. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Guavas are now cultivated and naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, subtropical regions of North America,Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Spain.

Medicinal Uses

Bayabas or guava is used in herbal medicine as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic.

•  Essential oils from guava leaves display anti-cancer activity in vitro.
• Extracts from apple guava leaves or bark are implicated in therapeutic mechanisms against cancer, 
• bacterial infections, 
• inflammation and 
• pain.
• Guava leaves are used in folk medicine as a remedy for diarrhea
• Guava leaves or bark are used in traditional treatments against diabetes.
• In Trinidad, a tea made from young leaves is used for diarrhea, dysentery and fever.

Guava Leaves Guava leaves are regarded as herbal treatment for several diseases due to their medicinal properties. The health benefits of guava leaves are given below.1. Aid in Weight Loss: leaves aid in weight loss by preventing the complex starches from being converted into sugars. For this purpose, the carbs must be broken down in the liver for use by the body and guava leaves prevent the transition of carbohydrates to usable compounds.

2. Beneficial for Diabetics: According to research conducted by the Yakult Central Institute in Japan, guava leaf tea can effectively lower blood glucose in diabetics by reducing the alpha-glucosidease enzyme activity. Moreover, it prevents the absorption of sucrose and maltose by the body, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Drinking guava leaf tea for 12 weeks lowers the blood sugar levels without increasing insulin production.

3. Lower Cholesterol: Research has proved that drinking guava leaf tea for 3 months can lead to reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides without any adverse effect on good cholesterol. Besides, the guava leaves are a great liver tonic.

4. Treatment of Diarrhea and Dysentery: Guava leaves are herbal remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. For treating diarrhea, boil 30 grams of guava leaves with a handful of rice flour in 1-2 glasses of water and drink this concoction twice a day. In case of dysentery, cut the roots and leaves of guava plant and boil them for 20 minutes at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius. Strain the water and drink in moderation until relieved.

5. Aids in Digestion: Guava leaf tea aids in digestion by stimulating digestive enzyme production. The powerful antibacterial agents kill bacteria in the lining of the gut and stop proliferation of toxic enzymes by bacteria. Guava leaves are particularly beneficial in case of food poisoning as well as soothing, vomiting and nausea. To relieve stomach ache, boil 8 pieces of guava leaves in 1.5 liters of water and drink thrice a day.

6. Treatment of Bronchitis: Guava leaf tea is effective in treating bronchitis by opening up the lungs, loosening mucus and soothing coughs.

7. Treatment of Toothaches, Sore Throats and Gum Disease: Due to their anti-inflammatory qualities, fresh guava leaves can relieve tooth ache, heal gum and mouth sores and treat sore throats when used for gargling. The antibacterial agent in these leaves protect the teeth and gums and therefore, guava leaves are used as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouth fresheners. Guava leaves can even be made into a natural paste at home for brushing the teeth and gums.

8. Beneficial in Dengue Fever: Guava leaves are considered a natural remedy for dengue fever. This is because guava leaf extract can increase the number of platelets in the blood and is not toxic at all. For this purpose 9 pieces of guava leaves should be boiled in 5 cups of water until 3 cups of water is left. After straining and cooling, a cup of this concoction should be given to the patient thrice a day.9. Prostate Cancer: Guava leaves can be beneficial in case of prostate cancer and enlargement.10. Reduction of Allergies: Guava leaves prevent the release of histamine. Moreover, the compounds found in guava leaves are effective in blocking all allergic reactions.

11. Sperm Production: Consumption of guava leaf tea has proven to be effective in increasing sperm production, thus helping with conception.

12. Treatment of Wounds and Infections: Guava leaves have great healing properties that can treat wounds such as cuts, impact abrasion etc. The antibacterial agents prevent infection and reduce inflammation of the uterus to accelerate the healing of wounds. Guava leaf tea can help in curing ear infections as well.

13. Treatment of Acne and Black spots: Acne and black spots are quite annoying as they adversely affect the appearance of your skin. Guava leaves are effective in eliminating acne and black spots from the skin. They contain an antiseptic that can kill acne causing bacteria. For this purpose, mash some guava leaves and apply it on the acne and dark spots. Rinse with water after sometime. This should be done daily until the skin is clear.

14. Removal of Blackheads: For the treatment of blackheads, blend the guava leaves with little water and use it as a scrub on your nose to remove blackheads.

15. Anti-ageing Benefits: Guava leaves contain antioxidants which destroy the free radicals that damage your skin, thus protecting your skin from ageing as well as improving skin tone and texture. A decoction of mature guava leaves can be applied on the skin for tightening it.

16. Relieves Itching: Skin itching can lead to serious problem if not treated immediately. Guava leaves are an instant cure for getting rid of itchiness as they contain allergy blocking compounds.

17. Natural Remedy for Hair Loss: To stop hair loss, boil a handful of guava leaves in a liter of water for around 20 minutes. After cooling, apply it on your scalp and massage rigorously.

Receipts

How to use Bayabas or Guava as an antiseptic and astringent

Preparation:

• Gather fresh bayabas leaves and wash with water.
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Strain and let cool.
• To use as mouthwash, gargle
• To use as wound disinfectant, wash affected areas 2 to 3 times a day.
• Use as vaginal wash especially after child birth.

Fresh Bayabas leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of toothache and gum swelling.

To hasten wound healing, fresh Bayabas leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

For diarrhea and control stomach parasites

• Gather fresh  Guava leaves,
• Boil chopped pieces of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water.
• Strain and let cool.
• Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.

Bayabas Side Effects

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

Adaptation

Guavas actually thrive in both humid and dry climates, but can survive only a few degrees of frost. The tree will recover from a brief exposure to 29° F but may be completely defoliated. Young trees are particularly sensitive to cold spells. 

Older trees, killed to the ground, have sent up new shoots which fruited 2 years later. Guavas can take considerable neglect, withstanding temporary waterlogging and very high temperatures. 

They tend to bear fruit better in areas with a definite winter or cooler season. The adaptability of the guava makes it a serious weed tree in some tropical areas. The smaller guava cultivars can make an excellent container specimen.

Description

Growth Habit: Guavas are evergreen, shallow-rooted shrubs or small trees to 33 ft, with spreading branches. Growth in California is rarely over 10 - 12 feet. The bark is smooth, mottled green or reddish brown and peels off in thin flakes to reveal the attractive "bony" aspect of its trunk. The plant branches close to the ground and often produces suckers from roots near the base of the trunk. Young twigs are quadrangular and downy.

Flowers: Faintly fragrant, the white flowers, borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils, are 1 inch wide, with 4 or 5 white petals. These petals are quickly shed, leaving a prominent tuft of perhaps 250 white stamens tipped with pale-yellow anthers.

Propagation:
 Guava seed remain viable for many months. They often germinate in 2 - 3 weeks but may take as long as 8 weeks. Since guavas cannot be depended upon to come true from seed, vegetative propagation is widely practiced. 

They are not easy to graft, but satisfactory techniques have been worked out for patch-budding by the Forkert Method (probably the most reliable method), side-veneer grafting, approach grafting and marcotting The tree can also be grown from root cuttings.

 Pieces of any roots except the smallest and the very large, cut into 5 - 10 inch lengths, are placed flat in a prepared bed and covered with 2 - 4 inches of soil, which must be kept moist. They may also be grown by air-layering or from cuttings of half-ripened wood. 

Pieces 1/4 - 1/2 inch will root with bottom heat and rooting-hormone treatment. Trees grown from cuttings or air-layering have no taproot, however, and are apt to be blown down in the first 2 or 3 years. 

One of the difficulties with budded and grafted guavas is the production of water sprouts and suckers from the rootstocks.

Harvest: In warmer regions guavas will ripen all year. There is a distinctive change in the color and aroma of the guava that has ripened. For the best flavor, allow fruit to ripen on the tree. The can also be picked green-mature and allowed to ripen off the tree at room temperature. Placing the fruit in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple will hasten ripening. 

Mature green fruit can be stored for two to five weeks at temperature between 46° and 50° F and relative humidity of 85 to 95 percent. 

Fruit that has changed color cannot be stored for any extended periods. It bruises easily and will quickly deteriorate or rot. Commercial juice varieties have rock hard inedible seeds, deep pink flesh and hard yellow rinds. They are not good for eating out of hand but have extremely high vitamin C content.