An evaluation of the use of a micro-computer model for assessing the feasibility of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) charcoal production using a transportable metal kiln (TMK) developed for use in rubber smallholdings in Peninsular Malaysia. At present most of the rubber trees are burned during replanting, since although the demand for Malaysian rubberwood sawn timber has increased 10-fold since 1980, the high transportation costs from smallholdings make it uneconomic for contractors to use their rubberwood. The set up and use of the computer model for evaluating the use of the TMK is described. The TMK was found to be technically and economically feasible. This model is used to determine the optimum operating schedule and only requires 2 inputs from the user (the selling price and acreage available). Four parameters are calculated automatically (and can be viewed graphically). These are: breakeven acreage; the payback period in months; the monthly profits derived; and the time (in months) required to completely plant the total area of rubberwood available. The model is flexible and easily modified for other multipurpose tree species. Since the model was developed using Lotus 1-2-3 software, it is user-friendly and easily accessed by scientists using a microcomputer.
Keyword(s)
Charcoal, Economics, kilns, manufacture, mathematical models, mobile units, models, multipurpose trees, production, raw materials, simulation, small farms, trees, woody plants, Malaysia, Hevea brasiliensis, plants, Hevea, Euphorbiaceae, Euphorbiales, dicotyledons, angiosperms, Spermatophyta, eukaryotes, APEC countries, ASEAN Countries, Commonwealth of Nations, Developing Countries, South East Asia, Asia, Threshold Countries, Multipurpose tree species for small-farm use, Input Supply Industries (Macroeconomics) (EE140), Economics (General) (EE100) (Discontinued June 2002), Forests and Forest Trees (Biology and Ecology) (KK100), Chemical and Biological Processing of Wood (KK530), Energy (PP100), Agroforestry and Multipurpose Trees, Community, Farm and Social Forestry (KK600), Processing Equipment and Technology (NN600), Non-wood Forest Products (KK540), Techniques and Methodology (ZZ900), Farming Systems and Management (EE200) (Discontinued March 2000)
