Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the stand dynamics of dipterocarp species in evergreen forest as a basis for devising suitable management systems for Cambodia's forests. The data for this study were obtained from a two-year UNDP-funded forest inventory project in Sandan district of Kampong Thom province. A sample of 18 clusters located in evergreen forest were analyzed. Based on the average stand volume per hectare, this evergreen forest was further divided into poor (less than 200m3), medium (200-300 m3) and rich (greater than 300 m3) forests. Dipterocarps contributed 50 m3 (36%), 109 m3 (43%) and 163 m3 (53%) in poor, medium and rich forests, respectively. The dominant dipterocarps species were CHBG (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), CRMS (Vatica astrotricha) and PHDK (Anisoptera glabra). To estimate the forest potential and allowable cut of dipterocarps stands, trees of DBH greater than 45cm were analyzed. Cambodia's silvicultural treatment prescribes that only 30% of stands are extracted on a selective felling cycle of 25-30 years. On the basis of this silvicultural treatment and management experience in Southeast Asia, the harvest potential of Cambodia's forest was estimated to vary from 20 m3/ha (6 trees) to 54 m3/ha (13 trees); approximately 65% of which was dipterocarps. These figures are more than double the current harvest rate of 10 m3/ha. However, applying such a new management system might cause forest degradation if there is no long-term political commitment to management and research from the government and parties involved. Permanent and regular research on stand dynamics and other influential factors are required to ensure the sustainability of forest resources. Forest management can no longer be concerned solely with timber production; thus, harvesting and research in non-timber forest products should also be included in the management plan. Keyword: Cambodia, dipterocarps, evergreen forest, forest management
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