Impact Of Reducing And Increasing Shade Distance On The Natural Durability And Microfibril Angles Of Red Meranti Wood

Abstract

Red Meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.), a significant species in the Dipterocarpaceae family, is widely distributed across Kalimantan and Sumatra in Indonesia. Its broad distribution and resilience make it a prime candidate for plantation forestry, with the potential to enhance both ecological sustainability and economic profitability in these areas (Effendi and Kurniawan, 2003). A notable characteristic of Red Meranti is its adaptability to a wide range of soil conditions, which promotes robust growth and makes it suitable for varied planting environments (Hendromono and Hajib, 2001). For the effective establishment and growth of Red Meranti plantations, a thorough understanding of silvicultural techniques is essential. Research indicates that optimized planting density significantly influences stem diameter growth in Red Meranti. Specifically, investigations by Mawazi and Suhaendi (2012) demonstrate that appropriate spacing not only supports healthy tree development but also maximizes overall timber yield. ...