Habitat’s Effects on Biomass Content of Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi Maton & Sm. Ex R. Powell subsp. Cumingiana (Turcz.) Barlow; Myrtaceae)

Abstract

Gelam commonly grows in clumps in peat swamp forests of South and Central Kalimantan. This study aims to determine the effects of growing sites on the biomass content of gelam stands. The study was carried out by analyzing the soil content of growing sites toward the growth of gelam (i.e. the number of individuals and biomass per hectare). The study was conducted at two sites, with the following habitat types: site A – shallow peat with a depth of 51-100cm and only inundated on a high tide, and site B – a moderate peat with a depth of 101-200cm, not flooded but with a groundwater depth of less than 50cm at high tide. A forest fire at site B resulted in higher soil fertility (especially the element K) compared to site A, due to the presence of a pile of ash and charcoal. Also, the fire at site B created more open space, controlled weeds, and at the same time, killed some seedlings and saplings, thinning the site out. The growth rate of gelam at site B was higher than that of site A; at site B, the average height was 10.9m and the average diameter was 10.9cm while at site A, the average height was 9.97m and the average diameter was 10.3cm. The presence of ash, charcoal and more open space after the forest-fire resulted in a higher biomass content at site B (147.223 tons/ha) compared to site A (131.578 tons/ha).