Dipterocarps as forest restoration species: environmental and economic implications of ecophysiological studies in the nursery

Jr., E. L. Tolentino and Camacho, L. D. (2005) Dipterocarps as forest restoration species: environmental and economic implications of ecophysiological studies in the nursery. [Conference or Proceeding]

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Abstract

The potential of dipterocarp species for restoring degraded lands was examined using ecophysiological parameters. The photosynthesis, conductance, transpiration and water use efficiency of the following dipterocarps species were evaluated for two years in a nursery in the Philippines: Shorea almon, Hopea plagata, Parashorea malaanonan, Anisoptera thurifera and Shorea contorta. Hopea plagata consistently gave high photosynthetic rates ranging from 4.28 to 8.7 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1. In terms of conductivity, Anisoptera thurifera had the highest rate ranging from 0.05 to 0.17 H2O m-2 s-1. The same species showed the highest transpiration rate ranging from 0.98 to 3.33 mmol m-2 s-1. The most water use efficient dipterocarp species tested was Hopea plagata with values ranging from 5.56 to 7.11. The potential utility of basic ecophysiological parameters for species selection in forest restoration was discussed. The tool could assist forest managers or silviculturists in choosing appropriate dipterocarp species for the varying conditions in the field particularly adverse sites common in degraded lands. Ecophysiological assessments which could be performed in the nursery or in smaller plots in less time periods could facilitate and economize selecting dipterocarps for use in restoring degrading. Limitations of the analysis was also explained.

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