The forest garden system of Saparua island Central Maluku, Indonesia, and its role in maintaining tree species diversity

Abstract

The dusuns of Central Maluku which improve fallows by planting spice trees such as clove (Syzygium aromaticum syn. Eugenia aromatica), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), or coconut (Cocos nucifera) and tending spontaneous regeneration, are an example of a species-rich forest garden system in the eastern hemisphere of the Indonesian archipelago. In this paper we report the influence of site conditions, as slope inclination, soil type, and soil depth, on species composition, tree species diversity, and stand structure in old dusuns in four villages on Saparua, a small island south of Seram. In addition, we compared the floristic composition and stand structure of old dusuns with those of primary forest and advanced fallow vegetation (∼15-yr old). Soil conditions, particularly the depth of the mineral soil layer, and the relief have a major influence on species selection in dusuns. The most common species in old dusuns were absent both in primary forest and forest fallow. Floristic similarity between old dusuns and the unmanaged stands was low. However, in two study villages species richness of old dusuns was similar to that of the primary forest. Old dusuns showed an open structure with an average reduction of basal area by about half compared to the primary forest. Less than half of all individuals found above 10 cm DBH in old dusuns were planted. Only very few species were exclusively planted. Most species were both planted and emerged from spontaneous regeneration. The results indicate the important role of spontaneous regeneration in this forest garden system.