REHABILITATION OF EX-TIN MINING LAND BY AGROFORESTRY PRACTICE

Abstract

In view of the growing public concern for the environment a pilot research project to rehabilitate ex-tin mining land was initiated in Semenyih, Selangor in 1989 with combined funding from Universiti Pertanian Malaysia through the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) programme, and the Board of Science for Technological Development of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. This research project initially involves the planting of two fast-growing timber species (Acacia mangium and Paraserianthes falcataria). The experiments conducted were (1) fertilisation, (2) inoculation, and (3) mulching experiments. The basic philosophy underlying this research project is to rehabilitate the sandy are as based on new technology and low capital expenditure. It is hoped that the findings from this project will benefit not only the farmers in Malaysia but also those in other countries such as Indonesia and Thailand where such soils are in abundance and underutilised. The project will also support the governments' desire and aspirations for environmental restoration and sustainability. The project is in its third year and will continue for at least another ten years. This paper describes the present status and future directions of the project.