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Special
Characteristics of Bamboo
Bamboo
is one of the most important nature’s substitute for the endangered
rainforest hardwoods. It is a quick-growing, versatile , non-timber
forest product whose rate of biomass generation is unsurpassed by
any other plants. With a 10-30 % annual increase in biomass versus
2-5 % for trees, bamboo creates greater yields of raw material for
use. It is utilized extensively for a wide range of purposes. The
strength of the culms, their straightness, smoothness, lightness
combined with hardness and greater hollowness; the facility and
regularity with which they can be split; the different sizes, various
lengths and thickness of their joints make them suitable for numerous
end products/purposes. The versatility of bamboo outmatches most
tree species. It is known to be a natural and excellent raw material
for manufacturing strong and sturdy furniture, handicrafts, and
novelty items.
Listed
below are some of the characteristics of bamboo:
- an
effective erosion control plant and natural control barrier due
to its widespread root system and large canopy;
- reduces
runoff, prevents massive soil erosion;
- keeps
twice so much water in the watershed;
- sustains
riverbanks;
- protects
surrounding environment during typhoons due to its height;
- regenerates
and resilient even after strong typhoons;
- helps
mitigate water pollution due to its high nitrogen consumption;
- minimizes
CO2 gases (sequesters up to 12 tons of CO2 from the air per hectare);
and
- generates
up to 35% more oxygen then equivalent stand of trees.
Bamboo
is an important component of development wherein all types of people
have adequate access to. It requires little attention during its
growing/production cycle and can occupy the same ecological niche
as that of trees. It is well suited for agroforestry
and healthy ecosystems. It requires only a modest capital investment
to generate a steady income. Around the globe, a lot of individuals
and communities are dependent on bamboo for their subsistence, shelter
and every-day utilities.
Origin
and geographic distribution
Special
characteristics of bamboo
Uses
of bamboo
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