Smallholder teak plantations in two villages in Central Java: silvicultural activity and stand performance
This study focuses on two villages in Central Java and examines the following: (a) What silvicultural practices do farmers apply in their teak plantations? (b) What is the performance (growth and quality) of farmers’ teak plantations? and (c) Do farmers’ socio-economic and perceptional characteristics influence their silvicultural management activity? A total of 66 farmers were interviewed and 121 inventory plots measured. Most of the usual silvicultural practices were implemented, although thinning was rarely conducted. In older plantations (>5 to 7 years old), low growth was most likely due to a lack of thinning. Farmers allocated minimum inputs for silvicultural management, mainly because teak was not one of the farmers’ main income sources. None of the farmers’ socio-economic and perceptional characteristics influenced their silvicultural management activity. In order to improve teak growth and quality, farmers need motivated and skilled extension officers to advise them in site selection and in thinning and pruning techniques.
Authors
Kallio, M.H.,Kanninen, M.,Krisnawati, H.
Publication year
2012
