Choosing native tree species for establishing man-made forest: A new perspective for sustainable forest management in changing world

Abstract

Subiakto A, Rachmat HH, Sakai C. 2016. Choosing native tree species for establishing man-made forest: A new perspective for sustainable forest management in changing world. Biodiversitas 17: 620-625. Establishment of tree plantation on degraded lands and forest clearly favored some exotic species such as Gmelina arborea, Acacia, and Eucalyptus. High productivity, less harvesting time, and deeper silvicultural knowledge are the beneficial factor for choosing those exotics species. However, the use of a wide variety of native tree species becomes more significantly important in reforestation projects due to the greater biodiversity benefits and wider environmental services. This research was carried out as a multiyear observation and continuous experiment to value how native tree species can be prospective alternatives in providing and supporting human need. The performances of two native Indonesian Shorea species, Shorea leprosula and Shorea selanica, were evaluated at a dipterocarp planting trial in two different sites in Indonesia. Growth data was obtained from 15 and 17 years old plots, twelve 100 m X 100 m square plots on mineral soils (Gunung Dahu Experimental Forest/GDEF, Bogor) and eight resembled plots on frequently flooded peat land (PT. Arara Abadi/PT. AA, Riau). Survival rates were varied, ranged from 36-77%, diameter at breast height from 13.7-24.9 cm, tree height from 10.8-16.9 m, mean volume from 0.119 m 3 /tree-0.567 m 3 /tree, and total volume from 79.420 m 3 /ha-215.412 m 3 /ha. Growth rates of planted saplings were affected by species, site and spacing distance. The development of man-made dipterocarps forest in the tropic, especially in South East Asia can be as prospective as developing an exotic fast growing plantation. Eventhough in situ conservation would give the most benefit in conserving genetic resources of native tree species, establishing man-made dipterocarp forest still have higher environmental value than using exotic tree species such as acacia. Moreover, establishing man-made dipterocarp forest is considered more environmental friendly and possess lower to no risk of species invasion compare to those of developing exotic trees plantation.

The growth of Shorea leprosula at various planting distances and slopes in Gunung Dahu Research Forest, Bogor, Indonesia

“…4x6 m > 3x3 m > 2x2 m). This finding is in accordance with the research by Subiakto et al (2016) concerning choice of local species for development of man-made forest, reported that average diameters of S. leprosula planted in Gunung Dahu Research Forest, ranked from the highest to the lowest were consecutively at the following planting distances: 4x4 m > 3x3 m > 2x2 m.The high average diameter at the planting distance of 4x6 m and the low average diameter at planting distance of 2x2 m is likely caused that denser population in a stand could increase competition between individuals due to limited nutrition, light, and water. According to Mawazin and Suhaendi (2012), different application of planting distances will create different light intensities which affect plant growth.…”

“…The results of Duncan advanced test as presented in Table 5 shows that the effect of planting distance on the growth of S. leprosula is the highest in plot with planting distance of 4x6 m as indicated with the highest average diameter and height of the plants. The lowest average diameter is exhibited in stand with planting distance of 2x2 m, whereas the lowest average height is exhibited in stand with planting distance of 3x3 m. Subiakto et al (2016) explained that the determination of planting distance depends on the objective of the forest utilization; i.e. planting dipterocarps at wider planting distance could produce greater diameter so that it is suitable to be adopted to fulfill the demand for wood aimed for construction and furniture.…”

The effect of planting technique on the growth of two Shorea species in Gunung Dahu, Bogor, Indonesia

“…In general, the result showed that basal area and stand volume in line planting are higher than those in total planting. The dense population and the high number of individuals in total planting technique (Table 1) increased the competition among individuals and limit the nutrients absorption, light, and water availability for each individual (Subiakto et al 2016). Novak et al (2010) suggested that growth is largely influenced by growth factors, one of which is stand density.…”

Correlation Between Physical and Chemical Soil Properties and Growth of Red Meranti in Haurbentes Forest Research

“…Salah satu faktor penting agar kegiatan tersebut berhasil yaitu pemilihan jenis yang sesuai dengan kondisi tempat tumbuh. Beberapa penelitian menyarankan untuk menggunakan jenisjenis lokal selain jenis cepat tumbuh seperti jenis-jenis dari Dipterocarpaceae untuk kegiatan rehabilitasi (Appanah dan Weinland, 1996;Nussbaum dan Hoe, 1996;Otsamo et al, 1996;Hamzah et al, 2009;Sovu et al, 2009;Scheneider, 2013;Subiakto et al, 2016;Kok Loong Yeong et al, 2016). Dari 10 marga dari famili Dipterocarpaceae, kelompok Shorea merupakan kelompok marga terbesar dan terpenting yang tersebar di Indonesia untuk ditingkatkan populasi dan potensi tegakannya.…”