Towards an Ecology-Based Strategy for the Reforestation of Imperata cylindrica Grasslands in East Kalimantan

Towards an Ecology-Based Strategy for the Reforestation of Imperata cylindrica Grasslands in East Kalimantan

background

This chapter assesses an ecology-based strategy to accelerate the reforestation of grassland towards a dipterocarp-dominated plantation with natural regeneration occuring.

Research Goals & Methods

A pioneer plantation was established in 1996 and has been shown that the prerequisites for successful reforestation are the selection of both pioneer and dipterocarp species and the application of appropriate fertilizers. In Indonesia, this ecology-based strategy was used for the reforestation of 30 ha of Imperata cylindrica grasslands from 1998 to 1999 using a mixture of species. Peronema canescens was used during the first phase of grassland reforestation. Hardwood cuttings of Peronema canescens were propagated, and unrooted branch cuttings were interplanted with Shorea leprosula.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The authors recommend this type of multi-species plantation for accelerating Imperata grasslands reforestation. Overall, land tenure issues, poor infrastructure and transportation problems affected the execution of reforestation activities.

 

Reference: 

Tolkamp, G., Priadjati, A., Effendi, R. Towards an ecology-based strategy for the reforestation of Imperata cylindrica grasslands in East Kalimantan, in The Balance between Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Tropical Rain Forests