Function Of Some Ecosystem Components At Natural Forest And Cacao Agroindustry Sustem At The Margin Of Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi

Abstract

Cacao agroforestry is a traditional form of agriculture practiced by the people of Central Sulawesi. These agroforestry systems vary from a simple system, following selective cutting of forest trees, to a more sophisticated planting design. The aims of this research were (1) to determine litterfall dynamics, leaf-litter decomposition, and fine root biomass, (2) to determine active fraction on soil macro-organic matter (SOM) in natural forest and cacao agroforestry systems, and (3) to assess nitrogen resorption and nitrogen use efficiency (N NUE) and implication for cacao establishment. The field studies were conducted in three types of cacao agroforestry systems at the northeastern margin of Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP). Field study sites covering in natural forest (NF) and in three cacao agroforestry systems that is cacao was planted under remaining forest cover (CF1), under planted trees (CF2), and between shade trees Gliricidia sepium (CP). The parameters are nitrogen soil content, fine root biomass, soil macro-organic matter by size and density fractionation, soil surface organic layer by quadrant, litterfall production by litter trap, and rate of decomposition by litter bag, nitrogen use efficiency in cacao plant and ecosystem scale, and nitrogen resorption.