Secondary Forest Regeneration under Fast-Growing Forest Plantations on Degraded Imperata cylindrica Grasslands

Background

This study compares the regeneration of native tree species under the canopy of tree plantations, riverine areas, and uncultivated grassland areas in the Riam Kiwa plantation area of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. This area has a distinct dry season and deeply weathered, acidic soils, and is considered good for forest plantations.

Research Goals & Methods

By monitoring the density, composition, and richness of native seedlings and saplings under the canopies of different plantation species, this study quantifies the suitability of understory regeneration of native species. Shade, leaf litter, and harvesting operations of the three different plantation species all influenced understory seedling density, though diameter at breast height and basal area had no significant impact on young regenerative trees or grasses.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The results of this study show that commericial plantations could be used to facilitate forest restoration with native trees. This restoration strategy could be used in areas were reforestation important for other reasons, not just timber, to develop corridors for biodiversity, buffers for protected areas, or on steep hills or riparian zones. The forests that would grow under the plantations would have many species of value for local communities for construction, food, and other purposes and would benefit the ecosystem by promoting soil fertility and preventing soil erosion.