Rehabilitation of degraded forest area using dipterocarp species in Merlimau Forest Reserve, Melaka

Abstract

The rehabilitation of degraded sites is now recognized as major issue globally. One of the means in rehabilitating degraded areas is through replanting. In this study, a variety of dipterocarp species were planted in a 1.5 hectare degraded forest area in Merlimau Forest Reserve, Melaka. The main objective of this study is to rehabilitate degraded site with commercial timber species. Combinations of slow-release fertilizer and organic fertilizers as well as big planting hole were applied as a part of the improved planting technique. In order to sustain the flora biodiversity of the site, line clearing for planting was adopted. Suitable species were matched to the topography of the site to increase the survival and growth. Growth and survival of saplings planted were monitored and data obtained were analyzed using SPSS program. After 62 months of planting, the survival rate recorded was very high which was 78% in average with Merawan siput jantan exhibiting the highest increment in both height and diameter throughout planting measurements.