Removal of Acacia mangium overstorey increased growth of underplanted Anisoptera marginata (Dipterocarpaceae) on an Imperata cylindrica grassland site in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Effect of removing Acacia mangium overstorey on the growth of underplanted Anisoptera marginata saplings was studied in a mixed tree plantation established on an Imperata cylindrica dominated grassland site in South-Kalimantan, Indonesia. At the time of overstorey removal the Acacia mangium trees were 80 months old (average height 21 m and DBH 20 cm) and the underplanted Anisoptera marginata saplings 68 months old (average height 4.2 m and DBH 3.1~cm), and the spacing of both species was 2 m × 4 m with such an arrangement that the saplings were located within the same lines as the nurse trees. Eight plots of 192 m2 in size were randomly designated to overstorey removal (canopy gap) and no removal (closed canopy) treatments. Removal of Acacia mangium overstorey was carried out by girdling and later cutting down the dead trees. The Imperata grass did not show regrowth in canopy gaps. The mean annual increment for height and DBH of Anisoptera marginata within 22 months after the treatment were higher in canopy gaps (1.3 m a-1 and 1.4 cm a-1) than under closed canopy (0.7 m a-1 and 0.7 cm a-1). Results indicate good prospects for diversifying the composition of fast-growing forest plantations on grasslands and integrating slow-growing valuable species in plantation programs. Studies on other establishment methods, such as planting in gaps or lines, and further management practices as well as their effect on available light, moisture and nutrients are needed.