Growth Performance and Biomass Accumulation of a <i>Khaya ivorensis</i> Plantation in three Soil Series of Ultisols

Abstract

Problem statement: There was no information about the relationship between growth parameters, such as diameter and height and tree component biomass of Khaya ivorensis plantations with different soil types. The objectives of this study were, first, to determine and compare the growth of K. ivorensis in three different (Padang Besar, Durian and Rengam) soil series of Ultisols and, second, to develop an allometric equation that estimates the biomass accumulation of the K. ivorensis plantation in three different soil series five years after planting. Approach: This study was conducted at a K. ivorensis plantation in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Research Station in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. The tree height (H) and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) were measured to evaluate the growth performance of the K. ivorensis plantation. Five sampled or trees stand of K. ivorensis in each soil series were destructively analyzed. Results: The highest growth rates in terms of MAI diameter and height, and basal area were found for the Padang Besar soil series, which was followed by the Durian and Rengam soil series. The best fit regression of site-specific equations developed from the independent variable D are recommended for estimating tree component biomass and stem volume in each site. A single allometric equation using D was applicable for the estimation of biomass and stem volume however, in Padang Besar, stem biomass and stem volume were estimated with an equation using D 2 H. The highest stem volume and biomass accumulation value were recorded at Padang Besar (77.99 m 3 h −1 and 63.16 t ha −1 , respectively), which was followed by the Durian (53.10 m 3 h −1 and 46.33t ha −1 , respectively) and Rengam soil series (43.13 m 3 h −1 and 40.96 t ha −1 , respectively). Conclusion: Differences in the growth and biomass accumulation data indicate that forest productivity of K. ivorensis was affected by different site conditions. The higher growth performance and productivity of K. ivorensis in terms of the stem volume and biomass accumulation in Padang Besar compared those in the Durian and Rengam soil series shows that the species was able to adapt to the soil characteristics of the Padang Besar soil series.

Aboveground Biomass Production of <i>Rhizophora apiculata</i> Blume in Sarawak Mangrove Forest

“…R. apiculata shows comparatively higher percentage of stem biomass (62.55%) compared to branch (31.89%) and leaf (5.57%). However, Heryati et al (2011) mentioned that the amount of the stem biomass is closely related to the production of trees obtained through photosynthesis which is generally stored in the trunk. Similarly, Hossain et al (2008) reported the same proportions of biomass stem>branch>leaf>reproductive components for B. parviflora in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia Table 3.…”

“…Total dry weight of those plant parts (stem, branch and leaf) were estimated as dry/fresh weight ratios (Brown, 1997). Allometric relationships were examined using independent variable D or combination of quadratic of D and H. The relationship between independent variable and components biomass and stem volume was described by a power function, Yi = aD b or Yi = a (D 2 H) b , where a and b are regression constant, D is tree diameter (cm), H is total height (m) and Yi is the dry biomass (kg) of a tree component i.e., stem, branch and leaf (Heryati et al, 2011). To choose the most appropriate biomass prediction of R. apiculata, both methods for stand biomass prediction were compared.…”

The Fertility Status of Soils at Rehabilitated Degraded Land in Universiti Putra Malaysia Planted with <i>Pinus caribaea</i> and <i>Swietenia macrophylla</i>

“…Wood or non-wood products harvesting have created large tracts of degraded secondary forest. Nowadays, degraded forest lands are becoming predominant and important forest type in the tropical countries due to scarcity of natural forest (Heryati et al, 2011a;2011b). Forest plantation program in Malaysia mostly involves dipterocarp species and other fast growing exotic species.…”

Evaluation of <i>Hevea brasiliensis</i> (Latex Timber Clone: RRIM 2001 and RRIM 3001) in Relation to Different Water Stress

“…The Munchong series soil is suitable for rubber plants and it has been classified as first class soil for rubber in term of soil-crop suitability (Malaysian Rubber Board, 2009). Different types of soil influences the growth performance of the crop (Heryati et al, 2010). Munchong series soil is silty clay loam to silty clay with yellowish brown to strong brown.…”