ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GELAM (Melaleuca cajuputi) ON PEATLAND IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN

Abstract

Until now the raw material of wood especially Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi) for supporting the construction of housing and other infrastructures is increasingly demand in Indonesia. On the Island of Borneo that partly consists of peat swamps needs Gelam very large and continuous, particularly for residential development. Ecological aspects are very important for supporting the silvicultural strategies. The aim of this study is to analyze ecological aspects which are very influence especially physical and chemical soil properties and microclimate as well. The utilization of study is to determine the silvicultural strategies for continuing production and conservation of Gelam in the future. The method was used a field survey around Gelam forest and did collecting samples and measuring there. The results showed in South Borneo the potency of Gelam is only 2,9-7,1 m3/ha and decreasing yearly. Normally Gelam with a diameter <4 cm have been cut down, as well as > 30 cm. Gelam can grow on the peat swamp forest where the soil was low pH 3.5-3.9. Most of pH of soil in these areas was influenced by phyrite (FeS2 of 0.4-2.2% and highest of Fe 90-302 ppm. C organic in the soil was included low-moderate 5.5-10.0%. Result of soil physic analysis showed composition of sand, dust, and clay of 9 : 54 : 57 % respectively. Temperature and humidity around peat swamp forest areas where was found Gelam were 31-33oC and 63-73% respectively. Most of areas around Gelam were grown Gelam Tikus (Syzygium inophylla) and some kind of shrubs.Key words: Gelam, potency, ecological aspects, silviculture

Ketahanan Bibit Kayu Putih (Melaleuca cajuputi) pada Berbagai Media Tercemar Air Asam Tambang

“…Kayu putih memiliki kemampuan untuk mereduksi atau menyerap bahan berbahaya atau disebut sebagai tanaman fitoremedian. Arifin et al (2016) menyatakan bahwa kayu putih dapat tumbuh baik secara alami di lahan dengan pH yang rendah dengan kandungan pyrite karena kemampuan fitoekstraksi (phytoextraction). Mekanisme fiitoekstraksi bekerja dengan menyerap bahan berbahaya di dalam tanah dan melakukan translokasi ke seluruh bagian tanaman dalam bentuk biomassa (Ali et al 2013).…”

Early growth and genetic performance of Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp cumingiana) conservation plot: an endemic peatland species in South Sumatera

“…The species was used to support the rehabilitation program of degraded peat swamp forests [9], wood vinegar [10] and oil [11]. It is grown and adapted very well in swamp with high level acidity [12], where certain species were unable to grow. The demand for Gelam's wood products and its ecological function for peatland is inevitable.…”