Approach toward reducing pressure on natural forests by planting dipterocarp between oil palm

Suhardi, . (2005) Approach toward reducing pressure on natural forests by planting dipterocarp between oil palm. [Conference or Proceeding]

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Abstract

Natural forest of dipterocarps in Indonesia is decreasing at an estimated rate of about 1.6 to 2.3 million ha per year and Indonesia need more than 50 million cubic meter of dipterocarps especially to supply its industries, house construction and maintain its timber exports. Areas planted oil palm have been increasing every year and more investors are willing to invest in oil palm plantation rather than dipterocarp plantation that required waiting for a long time before getting returns. It is also not easy to get credit for such long-term investment. However several species of dipterocarp such as Shorea leprosula, Shorea parvifolia and Shorea macroptera have been planted in oil palm plantations. At least two companies, in several locations in Sumatra, have planted dipterocarps between oil palms. The cost of establishing dipterocarp plantation with oil palm is cheaper and more efficient than planting only dipterocarps or timber trees. There are also other benefits such as the enriching of biodiversity, potential water conservation and maintenance of soil fertility. The possible reduction in oil palm productivity could be compensated with the wood production, enrichment of biodiversity, and water conservation.

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