Experience with Planting Dipterocarps in Peninsular Malaysia

Background

This book provides a history of dipterocarp planting in Malaysia. Traditionally Dipterocarp trees were rarely planted in Peninsular Malaysia except for cases in which they were part of plantings by indigenous communities (such as the planting of Kapur, or Dryobalanops aromatica, trees for the sale of camphor along trade routes). In 1929, the Forest Research Institute in Kepong was opened and between 1956 and 1990,17,885 ha of land underwent enrichment plantings, but low survival and inadequate nurseries and supply of seedlings were reported. In the 55-65 year old plantations, the authors report that Dryobalanops aromatica, Dryobalanops oblonifolia, and Shorea macrophylla had profuse regeneration, while many mast-fruiting species were not able to regenerate in the pure stands.

Goals & Method

The authors draw on both observation in experimental diptoerocarp plantations in the Forest Reearch Institute Malaysia and research regarding the planting of dipterocarps in Peninsular Malawsia in order to provide general recommendations and suggestions for stand management.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors recommend conditioning seedlings of 25-50cm to increase adapatation to planting and managing density and shade for optimum gowth and self-pruning. They offer final and initial stand densities for planting programs of the following species: Shorea macrophylla, Hopea odorata, Shorea platyclados, Dryobalanops oblongifolia, Shorea parvifolia, Shorea macroptera, Shorea ovalis, Dipterocarpus baudii, Shorea acuminata and Dipterocarpus costulatus (ranging in order from 278-714 stems per ha). They suggest that low-risk species choices, close control of the production during establishment and after, and silvicultural considerations for all field operations need to be incorporated to ensure the success of a dipterocarp plantation project.