PERFORMANCE OF TEN DIPTEROCARP SPECIES IN RESTOCKING LOGGED-OVER FOREST AREAS SUBJECTED TO SHIFTING CULTIVATION

Abstract

The objective of this study was to test field performance of ten dipterocarp tree species line planted in a secondary forest previously subjected to intensive logging and shifting cultivation. The trial was arranged in a randomised complete block design with six replications and the data analysed using analyses of variance with aposteriori comparisons of means. Marked differences were identified among species for each individual variable. The best ranking species overall were Shorea leprosula, S. johorensis, S. parvifolia and Hopea sangal. Their survival varied from 48 to 78% with average mean annual height and diameter (DBH) increments from 1.27 to 0.84 m and from 1.14 to 0.56 cm respectively. These Shoreaspp. have also performed well in other sites. Hopea sangal should be considered for the future. The Dipterocarpus spp. included in the trial performed poorly. Mortality leveled out after the second year stressing the importance of maintenance in the beginning. Dipterocarp species should be tested in multi-locational trials in order to acquire more information on site/species matching.