Silvicultrual practices and growth of jabon tree (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) in Community Forest, West Java, Indonesia
SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES AND GROWTH OF JABON
TREE (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) IN COMMUNITY
FOREST, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA
JINWON SEO
GRADUATE SCHOOL
BOGOR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
BOGOR
2013
DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY
I hereby declare that the thesis entitled “Silvicultural Practices and
Growth of Jabon Tree (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) in Community Forest, West
Java, Indonesia” and the work reported herein was composed by and originated
entirely from me. I declare that this is a true copy of my thesis, as approved by my
supervisory committee and has not been submitted for a higher degree to any
other University or Institution. Information derived from the published and
unpublished work of others has been acknowledged in the text and references are
given in the list of sources.
I hereby assign the copyright of my writings to the Bogor Agricultural
University.
Bogor, January 2013
Jinwon Seo
E451108021
SUMMARY
JINWON SEO. Silvicultural Practices and Growth of Jabon Tree (Anthocephalus
cadamba Miq) in Community Forest, West Java, Indonesia. Supervised by
IRDIKA MANSUR, SRI WILARSO BUDI and TATANG TIRYANA
Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) is a native species in Indonesia.
This fast growing tree is now preferred for the local community to plant because
of its good adaptability and economic profitability. However, the information of
this tree and silvicultural practices is still lacking. Therefore, there are three main
objectives of this research: 1) to document the existing silvicultural practices of
jabon implemented by local communities in West Java. 2) to investigate tree
growth performance among different sites in West Java. 3) to examine the linkage
of silvicultural practices and soil fertility for stand quality.
This research covered following aspects; stand inventory, soil sampling
and interview with local communities who planted jabon in the districts of Bogor,
Sukabumi, Sumedang and Purwakarta. With 0.02 or 0.04 ha size sample plots, a
stand inventory has been conducted and the diameter and height are measured. In
addition, pest investigation also has been carried out at same sample plots. In
addition, soil sampling and interview have done to collect site information and
silvicultural practices in each site. After collecting various data from jabon
plantation in West Java, those data are analyzed in forms of tabulation and
regression graph.
According to the results of the interview, most jabon plantations are
owned by outsiders from Jakarta or other cities. There are three types of
management: partnership, hiring employees and direct management. There are
only a few practitioners have participated in silvicultural training. In spite of the
absence of systematic silvicultural training, all practitioners have implemented
basic silvicultural practices: land preparation and planting, fertilizing,
maintenance and pest and disease control. Moreover, most of sites in same village
have same or similar silvicultural practices because usually only one manager or
farmer maintains all plantations.
After an inventory of jabon plantations in West Java, there are totally 56
plots have been inventoried in 20 sites. The age of jabon tree ranges from 0.5-year
to 3.5-year because jabon tree has been introduced in Java since 2008. The mean
diameter ranges from 2.45 cm to 14.57 cm with maximum 29.3 cm and the mean
height of 1.29 m to 12.62 m with maximum 18.68m in Situgede. As a result of
regression modeling with dominant height, one Chapman model has been selected
to calculate site index curve.: Hd .
exp
.
t . with
0.6513 R-square value. This curve helps to divide 20 sites into three categories:
good, medium and poor. Based on analysis, there are two good sites, twelve
medium and six poor sites. There are three DBH-age equations can be estimated
based on site classifications. As a result of comparison between good and poor
sites, it seems that site conditions and soil fertility have a more significant impact
on growth of jabon than silvicultrual practices like fertilization and maintenance.
Key words: Anthocephalus cadamba Miq, Community Forest, Silvicultural
practices, Site Index Curve
RINGKASAN
JINWON SEO, Praktek silvikultur dan Pertumbuhan Pohon Jabon
(Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.)
pada Hutan Kemasyarakatan, Jawa barat,
Indonesia. Dibawah bimbingan IRDIKA MANSUR, SRI WILARSO BUDI dan
TATANG TIRYANA
Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) merupakan jenis pohon cepat
tumbuh asli Indonesia yang disukai oleh masyarakat karena adaptabilitas dan nilai
ekonomi tinggi. Informasi mengenai pohon dan praktek silvikultur masih terbatas,
Oleh karena itu, tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah: 1) mengumpulkan informasi
mengenai praktek silvikultur yang telah dilaksanakan oleh masyarakat lokal di
Jawa Barat 2) menginvestigasi performa pertumbuhan pada lokasi penanaman
yang berbeda di Jawa Barat 3) menguji hubungan praktek silvikultur dengan
kesuburan tanah untuk mengetahui kualitas tegakan.
Aspek yang diteliti meliputi inventarisasi tegakan, pengujian contoh tanah,
dan wawancara dengan masyarakat penanam jabon di wilayah Bogor, Sukabumi,
Sumedang dan Purwakarta. Sebanyak 56 plot contoh dengan ukuran 0.02 atau
0.04 ha dibuat di 20 lokasi untuk melakukan pengukuran tinggi dan diameter
pohon, dan serangan hama. Selain tinggi dan diameter, pada plot contoh juga
diamati kerusakan pohon akibat hama. Data yang diperoleh dari lapangan,
kemudian dianalisis dan disajikan dalam bentuk tabulasi dan grafik regresi.
Berdasarkan dari hasil wawancara, sebagaian besar pemilik modal
penanaman jabon berasal dari luar kota. Terdapat tiga tipe dari sistem menejemen
yang dilakukan yaitu: kerjasama, menggaji karyawan, dan melakukan menejemen
langsung yang dilakukan oleh pemilik modal. Berdasarkan informasi yang
diperoleh, diketahui masih sedikit pengelola yang telah mengikuti pelatihan teknik
selvikultur jabon Namun demikian semua pengelola telah menerapkan teknik
dasar silvikultur seperti persiapan lahan, penanaman, pemupukan, serta
pengendalian gulma, hama dan penyakit.
Dari hasil inventarisasi diketahui pohon jabon di lapangan berusia antara
0,5 sampai 3.5 tahun, karena pohon jabon baru diperkenalkan sejak tahun 2008.
Interval diameter rata-rata berkisar 2.45 cm sampai 14.57 cm, dengan nilai
terbesar 29.3 cm dan tinggi rata-rata berkisar antara 1.29 m sampai dengan 12.62
m dengan tinggi maksimal sebesar 18.68 m di lokasi Situgede Bogor. Model
Chapman digunakan untuk menghitung kurva index tempat tumbuh. Berdasarkan
model regresi dari peninggi tegakan, nilai kurva index tempat tumbuh: Hd
.
exp
.
t . dengan nilai R-Square 0.6513. Nilai dari
kurva ini, membagi 20 lokasi menjadi 3 katagori yaitu baik (2), sedang (12), dan
buruk (6). Terdapat tiga persamaan antara umur dan diameter (DBH), yang dapat
diperkirakan berdasarkan klasifikasi dari lokasi. Hasil dari perbandingan antara
lokasi baik dan buruk, tampak bahwa kondisi lokasi dan kesuburan tanah lebih
memberikan pengaruh yang nyata terhadap pertumbuhan jabon, dibanding dengan
praktek silvikultur seperti pemupukan dan pemeliharaan.
Kunci: Anthocephalus cadamba Miq, Hutan Rakyat, Praktek Silvikultur, Kurva
Index Tempat Tumbuh
© Copyright owned by IPB, 2013
All rights reserved
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
prior written permission from IPB.
SILVICULTURAL PRACTICES AND GROWTH OF JABON
TREE (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) IN COMMUNITY
FOREST, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA
JINWON SEO
Thesis
As the requirement for the degree of
Master of Science
In
Tropical Silviculture
GRADUATE SCHOOL
BOGOR AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
BOGOR
2013
Examiner of the thesis defense: Prof. Dr. Ir. Iskandar Z. Siregar, M.For.Sc.
Thesis Title
Name
Student ID
: Silvicultrual Practices and Growth of Jabon Tree (Anthocephalus
cadamba Miq) in Community Forest, West Java, Indonesia
: Jinwon Seo
: E451108021
Approved by,
Dr. Ir. Irdika Mansur, M. For. Sc.
Main-Supervisor
Dr. Ir. Sri Wilarso Budi R., M.S.
Co-Supervisor
Dr. Tatang Tiryana, S.Hut., M.Sc.
Co-Supervisor
Endorsed by
Head of Major
Tropical Silviculture
Dean of Graduate School
Dr. Ir. Basuki Wasis, M.S.
Dr. Ir. Dahrul Syah, M.Sc. Agr.
Date of Examination:
Date of Graduation:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I would like to give my sincere appreciation and gratitude to
Dr. Irdika Mansur, Dr. Sri Wilarso Budi and Dr. Tatang Tiryana, who gave me a
valuable supervision, guidance, enthusiasm and especially great patience for the
completion of this thesis. Without my honorable advisor’s advice and help, I could
not finish my thesis with satisfaction.
I wish to acknowledge SEAMEO BIOTROP (Southeast Asian Regional
Centre for Tropical Biology) for giving a chance to participate in a research
project. Without supports from BIOTROP, this thesis cannot be implemented
successfully because of its expenses for research. I want to express also special
thanks for great helps from the staffs at subdistrict offices and village offices
located in Bogor, Purwakarta, Sukabumi and Sumedang. In addition, I must thank
my interviewees who provide lots of valuable information. During this research, I
was happy to work with my colleague, Selvi and project leader, Dr. Noor Farikhah
Haneda. Moreover, this thesis could be better owe to Prof. Dr. Ir. Iskandar Z.
Siregar. His valuable comments during the thesis defense made abundant
discussion. Great appreciation is also given to staff and colleagues from the
Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor Agricultural University
(IPB) for their contribution and help, and Mr. Ismail for help in secretariat work.
I want to express special appreciation to Professors in Seoul National
University, Lee, Donkoo, Lee, Wooshin, Chung, Jusang, Youn, Yeo-chang and
Lim, Sangjoon who recommended me to study in Indonesia and gave lots of
support. Without their sincere advices, I would not start to study abroad with clear
visions. I wish to give my gratitude to Park, Chong-ho, Acting Executive Director
of ASEAN-Korea Forest Cooperation.
Finally, I would like to express my special thanks to my mother and father,
my sisters: Hyeyoung Seo as well as all my friends for their support and persistent
encouragement during my study.
Bogor, January 2013
Jinwon Seo
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES ...............................................................................................
xiii
LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................
xiii
LIST OF APPENDICES ......................................................................................
xiii
1 INTRODUCTION
1
Background
1
Objective
2
Benefit
2
Research Structure
2
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
4
Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq)
4
Community Forestry in Indonesia
5
Silvicultural Practices of Jabon
6
Growth of Jabon
7
Uses of Jabon
8
3 METHOD
9
Time and Place
9
Material and Equipment
9
Research Process
10
Data Analysis
13
4 RESULT
14
Silvicultural Practices in Community Forest, West Java
14
Growth of Jabon in Community Forest, West Java
20
5 DISCUSSION
25
6 CONCLUSION
28
REFERENCE
29
APPEDICES
32
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
40
LIST OF TABLES
1 Site Information
2 Social information of stakeholders
3 Land preparation and planting activities in jabon plantation
4 Various types of fertilizers and frequency
5 Maintenance activities after planting including replanting, weeding and
pruning in West Java
6 Pest and disease control of jabon in West Java
7 Inventory data of Jabon in West Java
8 Dominant Height Growth Model Regression Coefficient
9 Site index classes and limiting values based on dominant height
10 DBH-Age equation depending on Site index classes
10
15
17
17
19
19
21
22
23
24
LIST OF FIGURES
1 Research Structure
2 Site quality class based on data from permanent plots in Java
3 Site map
4 Jabon plantation in Ciemas, 3.5 years old (Left) in Gadog 2 years
and 5 months old (Right) (Photo: private collection)
5 Measuring height with pole meter in Gadog (Photo: private collection)
6 Interview with planters in Sukabumi; the head of village in Kalibunder
(Left),Mr. Setiawan in Ciemans (Right) (Photo: private collection)
7 Chapman dominant height growth curve
8 Site index curve for jabon (3.5-year base age) in West Java.
9 DBH-Age equation based on SI classes
3
7
9
10
11
12
22
23
24
LIST OF APPENDICES
1 Questionnaire for jabon planter in local community
2 Forest inventory table
3 List of equipment
4 Total inventory data
32
35
36
37
1
1 INTRODUCTION
Background
As a country with rich tropical forests, Indonesia has produced timber
about 42 million m3 in 2010. This total timber production consists of 5.25 million
m3 of natural forests, 14.49 million m3 from land clearing and 18.56 million m3 of
plantation forests. The rest were from Perum Perhutani and other official licenses
such as community forests (MoF 2012). Even though Indonesia is the largest
tropical timber producer among ITTO countries, it also imports wood products
including logs from other countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia and so on
(ITTO 2011). As increasing GDP and domestic demands, Indonesia will suffer a
shortage of wood supply ironically. Moreover, many areas of natural forests have
been dramatically deforested and plantation forests also face serious social
conflicts with local communities (Nawir and Santoso 2005). In addition, the
Indonesian forest market will be affected by China, which becomes the largest
forest market in terms of production, consumption and imports of wood products
(Nilssona and Bull 2005).
Indonesia has some experiences in involving local people in plantation
activities such as regreening (penghijauan) with community forest (MoF 2012)
and community based forest management (Hutan Kemasyarakatan) (Van
Noordwijk et al. 2011). These activities were designed to vitalize the local
economy and compensate the shortage of wood supply from local community
forests. Under the lack of wood supply, community forests can be an effective
alternative and hence the Indonesia government has allocated 5.6 million ha of
state production forests for community forest program (Hutan Tanaman Rakyat)
(Emila 2007).
Recently, jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.), which is a native species
to Indonesia, has been widely planted as a main tree species in community forests.
For the first time, jabon has been planted in Kalimantan. Nowadays, jabon trees
have also been planted everywhere not only community forests but also at mining
rehabilitation areas, revegetation areas and industrial plantations because of its
good adaptability and economic profitability (Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993;
Mansur and Tuheteru 2010). Some general information on this species are
available in various sources such as the internet, books and journals (Mulyana et
al.; Mansur and Tuheteru 2010; Krisnawati et al. 2011; Wahyutomo 2011).
However, it is hard for local communities to apply those methods in their own
forest because it is too general and absence of specific examples. Moreover, it
does not consider specific local conditions and cannot describe tree performance.
In Indonesia, some researches have been conducted to investigate jabon
tree in local community forests (Kallio et al. 2011; Krisnawati et al. 2011). Kallio
et al. (2011) reported that socioeconomic factors of local communities strongly
correlate with stand quality of jabon. However, it does not seem enough to explain
silvicultural practices and stand quality due to its absence of soil quality and
detailed explanation about practices implemented in the community. As guidance
for jabon, Krisnawati’s paper comparatively seems appropriate for Jabon farmers
because it includes enough information from ecology to silviculture. However,
2
both researches had done in Kalimantan, so it does not fit Java area. For the local
community who wants to plant jabon in Java, this research can provide references
not only silvicultural practices and socioeconomic factors. In addition, it will be
good basic data for further research of jabon by providing various performances
of jabon in Java area.
Objective
-
-
-
To document the existing silvicultural practices of jabon implemented by
local communities in West Java
To investigate tree growth performance among different sites in West Java
To examine the linkage of silvicultural practices and soil fertility for stand
quality
Benefit
-
-
-
Local communities can improve their productivity in their forest by learning
from other cases
Various silvicultural practices of jabon can be collected by descriptive
methods
Understanding relation between growth performance of jabon and site
conditions can be used as baseline data for future studies
Research Structure
As shown Fig. 1, this research started to find an optimized guideline for
jabon in the community forest. Jabon is one of important species in community
forest to supply timbers and wood products in Indonesia. Because of imbalance
between wood supply and demand, Indonesian government promoted community
forest plantation as an alternative way to compensate lack of wood supply. Despite
of its importance, it is hard to find appropriate guideline of jabon in the
community forest.
In this research, there were two main important data: growth performance
and silvlicultural practices of jabon. To find the data, forest inventory and lab
analysis for growth performance have been implemented; in addition, oral and
questionnaire interview has been done by the local community to collect
silvicultural practices in the community forest
Based on the data from this research, practitioners in the field could find
more appropriate silvicultural practices and estimate growth of jabon. As a result
of proper management, Indonesian community forest can increase productivity of
jabon and secure stable wood supply.
3
The Imbalance between Demand
and Supply of Wood product
Wood supply from Community
Forest as an alternative
Jabon as a main species of
Community Forest
Absence of appropriate guideline
for Jabon in Community Forest
Basic data of Jabon perfomance
Silvicultural Practices for
Jabon in Community Forest
Growth depending
Growth factors of
Traditional Knowledge for
on Site
Jabon
Jabon plantation
Forest Resource
Field & Lab
Interview with Local
Inventory
research
Community & analysis
An Optimized Guideline for Jabon
in Community Forest
Increase Productivity & Stable
Wood Supply
Figure 1 Research Structure
4
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq)
Jabon is a tropical tree species in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This tree
is called by various names in different countries such as kelempayan in Malaysia ;
kadam and cadamba in Cambodia; kaatoan bangkal in the Philippines
(Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993). In Indonesia, the local names of this species
are: galupi, bengkal, johan kelampai, lampaian (Sumatra); jabon, jabun, hanja,
kelampeyan, kelampaian (Java); ilan, kelampayan, taloh, tawa, tuwak
(Kalimantan); bance, bute, loeraa, sugi mania, toa (Sulawesi); gumpayan, kelapan,
mugawe (Nusa Tenggara); aparabire, masarambi (Papua) (Martawijaya 1989).
Jabon is a native species in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. In addition, it can be
found in Cambodia, Thailand, Timor Leste and Brunei, Myanmar and Laos.
Because of its favorable characteristics for plantation, this tree species have been
planted inside and outside of its native countries, such as Costa Rica, Puerto Rico,
South Africa, Surinam, Taiwan, Venezuela and other tropical and subtropical
countries (Orwa et al. 2009). Each country has specific local names for jabon. In
this study, this tree species is called as jabon (Java) because this research will be
conducted mostly in Java, Indonesia.
Jabon has good abilities to grow on various soil types. It is considered as a
typical pioneer species that grows on deep, moist, alluvial sites, and swamps and
flooded areas. However, jabon grows more abundantly and dominantly on fertile
soils but does not grow well on leached and poor aeration soil conditions despite
of other good conditions (Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993). Light is the most
important factor for jabon’s growth, because jabon is sensitive to frost. Usually,
the maximum temperature varies from 32 to 42 ℃ and the minimum from 3 to
15.5 ℃. The mean annual rainfall for jabon ranges from 1500 to 5000 mm, but
some jabon in the central part of South Sulawesi grows locally on much drier sites
like below 200 mm. The range of altitude is usually between 300 and 800 m
above sea level. However, In the equator region, it is also found from just above
sea level up to an elevation of 1000 m (Martawijaya 1989).
In terms of silviculture, jabon has many advantages; fast growing, good
adaptability on a variety of soil types, and the absences of serious pests and
diseases. Therefore, jabon can be used in reforestation and afforestation programs.
It can improve soil conditions physically and chemically by adding large amounts
of leaf and non-leaf litters which can increase cation exchange capacity, plant
nutrients and organic matters. In addition, wood and extract from the tree can be
used for medicine, furniture and so on (Mutua et al. 2009).
There have been many studies about the plantation, ecology, multiple uses
and physiology of jabon around the world, including Indonesia (Fox 1971; Webb
et al. 1980; Lugo and Figueroa 1985; Net 2010; Kallio et al. 2010; Sari 2011;
Sugiarti 2011). Nevertheless, studies on silvicultural practices, growth perform
ance, and potential pest and disease of jabon planted by communities are st
ill lacking. Such studies are essential to provide relevant information on jab
on as a promising tree species for community forests.
5
Community Forestry in Indonesia
Community forestry means the management of forest lands and products
by local communities to meet their economic and, social needs (Roslinda 2008).
However, the definition of community forestry has evolved from a narrow
definition to a broader concept that covers social, economic and conservation
(RECOFTC 2008). The community forestry has been applied to both developed
and developing countries such as the Philippines, India, Nepal, Indonesia,
Malaysia, England, New Zealand and United States of America (Bruce et al. 1989;
Arnold 1991; Lynch 1995; Braganza 1996; Malla et al. 2003; Nawir and Santoso
2005; RECOFTC 2008; Van Noordwijk et al. 2011). Even though community
forestry concept has been developed for a long time, there have been various
similar terms that have the same meaning but a little bit different due to countries’
conditions such as languages, land tenure and policies.
In Indonesia, there are some terms related to community forestry such as
Social Forestry (Kehutanan Sosial), Co-management of forestry (Pengelolaan
Hutan Bersama), Collaborative Forest Management (Pengelolaan
Hutan
Kolaboratif), Community Based Forest Management (Pengelolaan Hutan Berbasis
Masyarakat), Farm Forestry (Hutan Rakyat), and Community Forestry (Hutan
kemasyarakatan) (Muhtaman et al. 2008). Those terms share common ideas of
forest management with local communities but land ownership, community right
to make a decision and purpose of forest management are totally different. In
accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Forestry No. 101/KPR-V/1996,
Hutan Rakyat is a kind of forest which grows in abandoned owned land or other
types land with minimum area of 0.25 ha and more than 50 % of crown covers,
500 trees per hectare in the first year. Most of Hutan Rakyat is an artificial forest
with other crops (agroforestry) and land property rights are owned by person, clan
or group. In addition, Indonesian government tries to cooperate with local
communities to manage Indonesian forest efficiently. In Government Regulations
PP No. 6/2007 (Peraturan Pemerintah PP No.6/ 2007), there are four methods to
manage the community forest (Hinrichs et al. 2008):
(1) Hutan Desa (Village Forest)
In Hutan Desa, permanent management rights are granted to village
administration by the Minister of Forestry/Local Government. It is a similar
approach to Community Based Forest Management like one in the Philippines.
(2) Kemitraan (Partnership)
Kemitraan means a partnership that local community can work together
with who has forest utilization right. Partner can be a business person,
company or nearby villagers.
(3) Hutan Tanaman Rakyat (Community Plantation Forest)
For Community Plantation Forest, the government gives access to the
local community for using protected natural resources and provides credits
and market opportunities. Households also can plant various species trees for
timber and apply for permission for a timber utilization maximum for 100
years. Also, there can apply for the permission as individuals, cooperatives,
government owned enterprises, private company and various forms.
(4) Hutan Kemasyarakatan (Community Forestry)
According to government regulation No. 6/2007, Hutan Kemasyarakatan
6
means forests which are allocated to local community groups such as
cooperatives or groups of citizens. Regent (Head of District) can issue
permission for utilization of forest products and timber (called IUPHHK) for
35 years based on forest management plan developed by the forestry service.
This study is focused in private woodlands (hutan rakyat or hutan milik)
because this information (especially in Java) is useful for whom are interested in
planting jabon trees at their own lands and for government officers who needs a
guidance for jabon plantation through the Hutan Kemasyarakatan Program. The
community forests in Java provide valuable resources - because 50 % of the
community forest in Indonesia are located in Java island (Hinrichs et al. 2008). In
addition, the Indonesian government has also invested some funding to establish a
4,465 ha community-owned forest management model in Java (West, East and
Central Java) from 2006 to2010 (MoF 2012). Therefore, understanding private
woodlands in Java will be meaningful when the government or local community
extends their plantation activities with jabon tree.
Silvicultural Practices of Jabon
Silviculture involves the methods for establishing and maintaining
communities of trees and other vegetations that have value to people and also
ensures the long-term continuity of essential ecological functions, and the health
and productivity of forested ecosystems. Silviculture is not just science or
technique but more complicated art. It consists of whole activities related to
forestry from species selection to marketing (Nyland 1996).
Silvicultural practices refer to every practice for achieving silvicultural
goals. Usually, it consists of establishing and maintaining processes (Nyland
1996). For examples, whole activities before planting can be established process
such as seed collection, seed preparation, sowing, site preparation and planting.
After planting, maintenance activities such as weeding, fertilizing, thinning, pest
and disease control will be followed. Even though these silvicultural practices are
very essential to tree growth, lack of silvicultural practices is often encountered
because of the limitations of farmer’s silvicultural knowledge (Byron 2001).
In the case of jabon, there have been some researches and books about
silvicultural practices and guidance for local communities (Lamprecht 1989;
Mulyana et al. ; Mansur and Tuheteru 2010; Mansur and Surahman 2012;
Wulandari et al. 2012). However, it is still hard to find simple and easy-to-
understand guidances for the local community who wants to plant jabon in Java.
Furthermore, there are many farmers have suffered difficulties to plant jabon with
adequate silvicultural practices and consultations. Compared to other plantation
species such as mahogany and teak, information about jabon plantation is still
lacking (Pramono et al. 2010; Krisnawati et al. 2011).
In this research, the current status of jabon plantation managed by the
local community was investigated by using interviewed methods, site inventory,
and soil sampling to understand silvicultural practices of jabon and the quality of
jabon plantation managed by local communities.
7
Growth of Jabon
Tree growth is considerably important for planters who want to plant
jabon in their field because it is directly related to productivity. According to
Krisnawati et al. (2011), there are extremely few reliable data to predict the
growth and yield potential of jabon in Indonesia. In their research, they collected
inventory data from young stands (up to 5 years old) from 92 temporary plots in
South Kalimantan and old stands from 26 permanent plots in Java. In addition,
preliminary reports are used (Fig.2).
According to Sudarmo (1957), jabon plantations growing in several sites,
Java can reach a mean annual increment (MAI) of 20 m3/ha/year by age of 9 years
in good-quality sites and 16 m3/ha/year in medium-quality. In case of poor-quality
site, it may not reach 15 m3/ha/year even up to 24 years. According to Zuhaidi et
al (2012), the growth of jabon in Sabah, Malaysia can reach a MAI of 29
m3/ha/year by age of 4 years and 55 m3/ha/year by age of 10 years in Tawau,
Sabah. In Puerto Rico, the 12.5-year-old plantation had a volume growth of 27.8
m3/ha/year (Lugo and Figueroa 1985).
Determining the rotation period depends on the purpose of production.
According to Soerianegara and Lemmens (1993), 4-5 years after planting can be
harvested for pulp wood but it will take approximately more than 10 years for
wood production. In state-owned plantations in Java, according to decree by the
director of Perum Perhutani (Decree No. 378/Kpts/Dir/1992; Perum Perhutani
1995), the economic rotation for jabon is about 20 years.
Figure 2 Site quality class based on data from permanent plots in Java
(Sudarmo 1957; Suharlan et al. 1975)
The most serious unsolved problem in connection with with cultivation of
jabon is the phenomenon of “sudden death”, first observed in 1967 at CATIE in
Costa Rica. The pathogen which damaged the trees is still unknown (Gibson and
Nylund 1976). However, there have never been reports about it in Indonesia.
8
Uses of Jabon
Jabon has the soft, light colored wood with the density in the range 290-
560 kg/m3 at 15% moisture content. It is easy to process with hand and machine
tools, split and peel. However, it is not durable when used for outdoor
construction or in contact with the ground (Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993;
Lamprecht 1989).
The wood is well-suited for various end uses, such as plywood, light
construction materials and tea crates, toys, matches, chopsticks. It is also easy to
pulp but difficult to bleach for paper production. For fuel wood and for charcoal,
jabon is unsuitable (Soerianegara and Lemmens 1993; Lamprecht 1989).
The trees are also suitable for ornamental purpose and shade along
roadsides and villages as well as for agroforestry systems. It is also used in
reforestation and afforestation programs in Indonesia. As a native species, it can
improve some of the physical and chemical properties of the soil and increase the
level of the soil organic carbon and nutrients by adding the large amounts of leaf
and non-leaf litters (Orwa et al. 2009).
According to Soerianegara and Lemmens, an extract of the leaves can
serve as a gargle and the fresh leaves are used as fodder for cattle or sometimes as
a plate. The dried bark is used to relieve fever and as a tonic (Soerianegara and
Lemmens 1993). There have been many researches about the medicinal effect of
its leaves and barks around the world (Gurjar et al. 1998 ; Biswas and Mukherjee
2003; Patel and Kumar 2008; Umachigi et al. 2008; Jain and Jain 2011). Even
though most of research has done in India, there are still various countries which
have various researches about it. It seems that India has highly interests in jabon
tree. For examples, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the Kadam bark in
treatment of hoarseness of the throat. After mixing the bark in cold water, honey
and cumin (Zeera), it is given to the patients internally. It is considered as one of
the promising remedies. The natives of Chhattisgarh dip the bark in water used for
a bath. According to them this herbal bath makes the skin soft and free from all
infections. The traditional healers of Bastar region use Kadam bark in the
treatment of eye diseases. The bark is collected and with the help of lemon juice,
aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally on eyes, in order to
reduce pain and inflammation. The healers of North Chhattisgarh use the
decoction of Kadam bark in the form of gargle to cure the gum related troubles. It
is also used in case of stomatitis. In addition to above, there are researches related
to its effect for diabetes, antifungal activity, wound healing and antioxidants (Patel
et al. 2012).
9
3 METHOD
Time and Place
This research was conducted at various sites of community forests in four
regencies of West Java province, Indonesia, namely Bogor, Purwakarta, Sukabumi
and Sumedang (Fig. 3). This research consisted of two parts, field work and
laboratory work. The field works, which include site selection, forest inventory
and soil sampling and interview with local communities, were conducted in April,
2012 after the rainy season when the tree grows fast. The laboratory works such as
soil analysis, descriptive analysis and writing a thesis were conducted at Bogor
Agricultural University and SEAMEO BIOTROP from April to July, 2012.
Figure 3 Site map
Material and Equipment
As mentioned, this research consists of two parts, field work and
laboratory work. In the field, equipment needed were a camera, bucket, and
shovels, GPS, plastic bag, ruler, tape meter, paper, stationery, paper labels, and
height meter. In the laboratory, mainly soil analysis equipment (prepared in
SEAMEO BIOTROP), oven, scales, beaker, pipettes, petri dishes, test tubes,
computers, shakers and so on (Appendix 3).
10
Research Process
Site Selection
The site selection process was the first step to start this research as well as
the most important thing to make this research informs. However, it was hard to
find the location of jabon plantation and to select some sites. Even though there
are many jabon plantations in West Java, there was no information about their
locations and owners from government institution and local office. Moreover,
West Java is too wide to visit and research whole areas. Therefore, this research
only selected 20 community forest sites located 13 sites in Bogor, 3 sites in
Sukabumi, 1 site in Sumedang and 3 sites in Purwakarta (Table 1) based on
discussion with advisors and some contacts with local community and local
forestry agency (Dinas Kehutanan).
Table 1 Site Informationa
Regency
Bogor
Subdistrict
Elevation (m)
Precipitation
(mm/year)
Average
Temperature
(°C)
West Bogor
Situgede
250
3219-4671
24.9-25.8
Megamendung
Sukaresmi
900
3178.8
17.8-23.9
435
410
2500-3000
3206
24-28
24.5-32.7
520
3206
24.5-32.7
Pamijahan Gunung
Bunder
Jonggol
Sukadamai
Gunung Batu
Sumedang
Buah Dua
Citaleus
234
3217
28-34
Sukabumi
Kalibunder
Taman Jaya
Kalibunder
305
3517
19-29
Ciemas
250
4079
28-35
Campaka
20
3093
17-28
Purwakarta Cibodas
a
Village
Sources: data from subdistrict office or forestry agency nearby sites
Figure 4 Jabon plantation in Ciemas, 3.5 years old (Left) in Gadog 2 years and
5 months old (Right)
11
Site Inventory
The purpose of site inventory was to evaluate and analyze jabon stands
quality. In this research, simple site inventory was implemented including height,
diameter, and ages and clear-bold. From the clear-bold, we could be calculated
commercial volume of jabon and self-pruning ability could be noted. Stand
inventory was implemented by random sampling method. There were three
replicates with 0.02 ha or 0.04 ha sample plot in each site. To describe site more
specifically, planting pattern also was observed such as spacing, agroforestry and
homogeneity of tree height. From this forest inventory, total stand volume,
merchantable volume of a stand and stand quality could be evaluated.
Figure 5 Measuring height with pole meter in Gadog
Soil Sampling
The composite sampling method was applied to collect soil samples for
analyses. However, only one sample in each site was collected because most sites
have relatively similar conditions. Each sample was collected by soil borer with
30 cm depth. The soil samples were then stored in plastic bags to keep their
conditions, which were then analyzed in SEAMEO BIOTROP using a standard
procedure. In addition, only five parameters that were considered as important
factors in this study are analyzed such as N, P, K, C-organic, and soil texture. The
soil conditions provided valuable information for evaluating the growth
performance of jabon in addition to silvicultural practices and environmental
conditions.
Interview with Local Community or Owner
Some oral and paper interviews with seven interviewees were carried out
to describe whole conditions of each site. The main purpose of the interviews was
to know the history of the sites and silvicultural practices such as planting
methods, spacing, thinning cycles and fertilizing. The interview targets were an
owner of lands and the local communities who well known the history of the
targeted jabon forests. The whole interview was recorded by a voice recorder and
used for a descriptive analysis of each site.
12
Questionnaire consisted of two parts, i.e. socioeconomic and silvicultural
practices to investigate both factors (Appendix 1). In the socioeconomic part,
there were some questions focused on the planter’s background and motivation of
planting jabon. In the silvicultural practices part, most of the questions focused on
silvicultural practices in terms of quantitative and qualitative aspects. These
question lists referred to the previous community forestry researches (Pribadi
2001; Kallio, Krisnawati et al. 2011).
Figure 6 Interview with planters in Sukabumi; the head of village in Kalibunder
(Left), Mr. Setiawan in Ciemans (Right) (Photo: private collection)
13
Data Analysis
Silvicultrual Practices
The analysis of silvicultural practices was based on the results of the
questionnaire. The main purpose of this analysis was to document the existing
silvicultural practices and to understand the present situation in the field. In this
research, these data were categorized into five tables: one for socioeconomic
aspect and four silvicultural practices. Each table presented quantitative and
qualitative information based on the results of interviews. Such data tabulation
was further analyzed to provide more detailed descriptions and comparison among
various sites of community forests.
Growth of Jabon
The growth of jabon was estimated based on field measurements of 56
temporary sample plots in 20 different sites. These temporary sample plots data
were used to derive a provisional site index curve for classifying the various sites
of community forests because permanent sample plots data for jabon were not
available. Some studies, such as Nunifu and Murchis