Early effects of four fast-growing tree species and their planting density on ground vegetation in Imperata grasslands

Background

The study aimed to test the early effects of four successful reforestation fast-growing exotics tree species and alternative planting densities on the development of ground vegetation. The study was conducted in Riam Kiwa, South Kalimantan, Indonesia in Imperate grasslands. The four fast-growing exotics tree species used in the study were Acacia mangium, Acacia crassicarpa, Gmelina arborea, and Paraserianthes falcataria.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The result of the study suggested that fast growing tree species differ in their effects on suppressing ground vegetation development in tree plantatyions in Imperata grasslands. The rank of species is Gmelina arborea (strongest), Acacia mangium, Acacia crassicarpa, and Paraserianthes falcataria (weakest). Increasing planting density affected the ground vegetation development. A linear relationship was found between increasing distance between planted trees and grass biomass for all tested species . The author suggested to plant strong competing plantation tree species on Imperata grasslands in first-rotation plantations as the ground vegetation development will directly affect the fire susceptibility and the maintenance need of plantations.