PRELIMINARY THINNING GUIDELINE FOR <em>ACACIA</em> <em>MANGIUM</em> WILLD. PLANTATIONS IN KEMASUL FOREST RESERVE, PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

The determination of an appropriate thinning regime for Acacia mangium Willd. plantations in Malaysia is important for management purposes. However, this research is still in its initial stage. A preliminary thinning guideline for Acacia mangium plantation based on tree crown diameter and diameter at breast height (dbh) is proposed in this paper. This guideline can be used until more detailed information from the permanent plots are obtained. The results indicate that the trees use space more efficiently with increase in size. The management implication of this would be to have thinnings less intensive as stands mature in size. The guideline can be used to determine the minimum stand diameter needed for a desired product and to determine the initial spacing.