Leaves production model on kayu putih (Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cajuputi Powell) plantation

Abstract

Cajuput oil is one of important non-timber forest product in Indonesia, which is resulted from processing of kayu putih (Melaleuca cajuputi Subsp. cajuputi Powell) leaves. Perum Perhutani now managed about 24,000 hectars of kayu putih plantation in Java and 10 units of leaves processing mills with installed capacity of 53,760 tonnes per year. However, these mill were underutilized due to low leaves kayu putih production. The objective of this study were: (1) to develop kayu putih leaves production model, for one leaves harvesting rotation, and (2) to determine a silviculture rotation age of kayu putih stand. Subject to field condition, number of tree, stand density, and biomass by part of tree from 36 temporary sample plot (TSP) of Age Class II at BKPH Sukun were them measured to develop kayu putih leaves production model and from 24 TSP of all Age Class (Age Class I – VIII) at BKPH Sukun were measured to determine a silviculture rotation age. Anaysis of oil and and sineol contens as well as some characteristics of cajuput oil were also conducted. The result show that Morgan-Mercer-Flodin (MMF) equation was found as the best model in representing kayu putih leaves production model, with option sprout age of 7 months. A silviculture rotation age was estimated around 25 years (with Age Class V) using as stand maximum productivity as a proxy.