PLANTING OF <em>GONYSTYLUS</em> <em>BANCANUS IN NON-PEAT SWAMP AREA

Abstract

ISMAIL, P., SHAMSUDIN, I., ABDUL RAHMAN, K., HASHIM W. S. & ISMAIL, H. 2007. Planting of
Gonystylus bancanus in non-peat swamp area. Gonystylus bancanus is the most valuable timber species in peat
swamp forests. It has high potential as plantation species since planting material can be raised easily either
through seeds or vegetative propagation. However, establishment of forest plantations in peat swamp
forest has many problems mainly due to poor accessibility and low soil productivity. Therefore, plantations
may not be successful ventures without intensive management with high capital inputs. Establishment of
G. bancanus plantations outside peat swamp areas would be a better solution. This study was conducted
to investigate the potential of using G. bancanus as a plantation species in a non-peat swamp area. This
paper reports on an 11-year planting trial conducted at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia whereby G.
bancanus seedlings were planted in a non-peat swamp area. Survival was 52%, with an average of 816 cm
total height and 9.1 cm diameter at breast height. Average yearly increments for total height and diameter
at breast height were 69 and 0.95 cm year^–1 respectively. In terms of wood strength, 11-year-old G. bancanus
showed acceptable strength property and is useful for certain wood-based products. Based on physical and
mechanical properties, this timber may be used for furniture manufacturing, internal joinery, holders and
wooden toys. The limiting factors on utilization were the relatively small diameter and length of log.