Initial Screening of Fast-Growing Tree Species Being Tolerant of Dry Tropical Peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

An investigation of the recruit, survivorship and growth of naturally regenerating tree species on canal bank was conducted to select tree species which are suitable for preceding planting in drained and burnt peat swamp lands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Top of the canal bank were open, with greater soil moisture deficit and higher soil temperatures than on the next intact forest floor. The abundant trees were asam-asam ( Ploiarium alternifolium ) , garunggang ( C ra to xylon arborescens ) and tumih ( C o mbretocarpus rotundatus ) . New regeneration of these trees on the canal bank was confirmed during this investigation and mortality was very low. These results indicated that P. alternifolium,C. a rb o resc e ns and C. rot u nd at us were tolerant of intensive radiation, soil drought and high soil temperatures during germination. The annual height increments were 189-232 cm y -1 ( P. alternifolium ), 118-289 cm y -1 (C. a r bo r e s c e n s ) and 27-255 cm y -1 ( C. rot u nd at us ); thus, these three species could be classified as fast-growing with tolerance to open and dry conditions. Such characteristics were important to avoid competition with herbs, ferns,and/ or climbers. The results·suggest that P. alternifolium , C. a r bo r e s c e n s and C. ro t un d a t us are suitable for preceding planting for the rehabilitation of the disturbed peat swamp forests of Central Kalimantan.