DESIGNING OPTIMUM HARVESTING REGIME FOR SERAYA RIDGE FOREST
Samsudin M.(1), Abd Rahman K.(1), Yong H.(2), Khairul N.(1), Rodziah H.(1), Mohd Nizam M.S.(3) and Abdul Latiff M.(3)
(1) Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong, 52109 Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 03-62797395
Fax: 03-62729852
Email: [email protected]
(2) 5th Floor, Kompleks Tun Razak, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25990 Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur
Tel: 09-573913
Fax: 09-5733355
Email: [email protected]
(3) University Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 03-89255332
Fax: 03-89256732
Email: [email protected]
The management of production forest in Malaysia is undergoing a major shift from rich undisturbed forest to logged-over forests mainly consisting of second-rotation forests.
This shift presents new challenges to forest managers as the structure and composition of second rotation forest are different in terms species composition, stocking and distribution. They are usually more patchy and variable, consisting of a mixture of poor and rich areas that has manifested from previously logging operations.
This is particularly significant in unique forest types such a Seraya, Kapur and Meranti Bukit forests. Application of current harvesting regimes in such forests, while still fulfilling SMS requirements, can result in high removals and creation of large gaps.
Consequently, new management regimes for such forests particularly for Seraya Ridge forests are being studied in a research conducted in Tekai Forest Reserve, Jerantut, Pahang. The regime is developed to ensure trees that are to be removed are spatially distributed and are more proportional along diameter classes to maintain stand structure.
Although priority is still given to the removal of large sized trees, trees with smaller diameters above 30 cm are also tagged for removal. In the 28 ha study site a total of 269 trees having a total volume 1300 m3 were selected for felling.
The new harvesting regime will retain the composition and structure of the forests where Seraya (Shorea curtisii) is expected to remain dominant; and will ensure that growth conditions for the residual stand are favourable for quick recovery of the stand for the next cut. This paper elaborates on how the optimum harvesting regime is developed and its contribution to the sustainable management of Seraya forests. Comparisons are also made on possible impacts if normal cutting regimes are applied.
For more information on this paper, please contact the author at the contact details above.
For more information on FRIM and the CFFPR Meeting, please contact Dr Mohd. Nor Mohd. Yusoff, Senior Director, Forest Products Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). Email: [email protected]
