Establishment of Tree Species Community in Abandoned Teak Plantation of North Forest Industry Organization

Abstract

Objectives: The abandoned teak plantation (ATP) is an area without silvicultural practices and has been left for natural succession. Many tree species had high established and increased species diversity. This study aimed to analyze the forest structure and species compositions in these abandoned teak plantations of North Forest Industry Organization.

Method: Total of Forty-five purposive sampling plots, each of 0.16 ha (40 m x 40 m) were established in thirty forest plantations. The sampling plots were divided according to the age of abandon into two age ranges; 16-20 yrs-ATP (planted since 1982 - 1986) and 21-25 yrs-ATP (planted since 1977 - 1981) and in the natural forest (NF). The forest structure and relationship between plant and environments were analyzed. 

Main Results: The results show that total of 153 species 110 genera from 41 families with Shannon-Weiner (H/) diversity index was 3.66. The 16 - 20 yrs-ATP showed that 105 species 83 genera from 32 families with H/ of 3.52. while, the 21 – 25 yrs-ATP showed that 101 species 79 genera from 32 families and H/ of 3.39. The dominant species of both ATP forest types; Tectona grandis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, and Xylia xylocarpa. The NF showed that 106 species 73 genera from 31 families and species diversity index was 3.55. The dominant species such as Tectona grandis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, and Millettia leucantha. All of three forests had high similarity index values (94.34–97.08%). The results of some environmental factors study found height above sea level (ELE) and slope (SLO) affects the established of pioneer species and rainfall (RAN) and temperature (TEM) affects the established of primary species.

Conclusion: Abandoned teak plantation in teak plantation area can encourage the establishment of tree species, however, depended on the time of abandoned and physical environment. Therefore, using dominant species that appear in the abandoned teak plantation for forest restoration may be rapidly supported on plant community succession.