Application of silvicultural treatments to improve local Gigantochloa apus (Schult. & Schult.f.) Kurz ex Munro stands for supporting handicraft industries in Gunungkidul region, Indonesia

Abstract

There is a growing demand within the Gunungkidul region of Indonesia for bamboo, particularly Gigantochloa apus (Schult.f.) Kurz ex Munro, which is used in handicrafts. This study examined ways to enhance the productivity of bamboo to meet the specific requirements of the craft industry in the region. It assessed the impact of three levels of thinning intensity and three types of fertilizer application on the productivity and quality of G. apus. The type of fertilizer application significantly influenced the diameter of the sixth internode and the overall height of the bamboo while having an insignificant effect on the number of bamboo shoots, internode diameter at one meter or internode length. Thinning intensity significantly affected several aspects, including the number of shoots, the diameter of the sixth internode and the overall height of the bamboo. Clump thinning intensity increased the diameter of the remaining bamboo clump but reduced the number of shoots, as well as internode length and overall height. The interaction between thinning intensity and fertilizer application significantly impacted the diameter of bamboo, the diameter of the sixth internode, and the overall height of bamboo, without significant effects on the number of shoots or the internode length.