Effects of light and soil flooding on the growth and photosynthesis of ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) seedlings in Malaysia

Verwer C., . and Dibor L., . and Kruijt B., . and Tan S., . and Jans W. W. P., . and Van der meer P. J., . Effects of light and soil flooding on the growth and photosynthesis of ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) seedlings in Malaysia. pp. 54-63. ISSN 0128-1283

We studied the ecophysiology of ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) seedlings in an experimental set up at the Forest Research Centre in Kuching Sarawak Malaysia. Ramin seedlings were grown on flooded and drained peat soil under 100 76 46 and 23 sunlight thus simulating effects of different light conditions (canopy gap size) and drainage that occur in natural ramin populations. Seedling growth was highest in partial sunlight (76) and reduced with reducing light levels. Aboveground productivity and fine root development were significantly higher in seedlings grown on flooded soil compared with those on drained soil. In contrast investment in coarse root biomass was significantly higher in seedlings grown on drained soil. It appeared that the aboveground growth benefits in flooded conditions were the result of more advantageous conditions for allocation of carbon to leaves thus enhancing overall relative growth rates through higher light interception rates despite lower photosynthetic capacity. The results of this experiment suggested that drainage of peat swamp forests would seriously hamper natural regeneration of ramin by limiting the growth of seedlings. It is also suggested that selective logging operations which produce medium-size canopy gaps improve ramin regeneration in hydrologically undisturbed mixed swamp forests.

Full text available from: Official URL: http://www.frim.gov.my/v1/JTFSOnline/jtfs/v24n1/54...

Abstract

We studied the ecophysiology of ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) seedlings in an experimental set up at the Forest Research Centre in Kuching Sarawak Malaysia. Ramin seedlings were grown on flooded and drained peat soil under 100 76 46 and 23 sunlight thus simulating effects of different light conditions (canopy gap size) and drainage that occur in natural ramin populations. Seedling growth was highest in partial sunlight (76) and reduced with reducing light levels. Aboveground productivity and fine root development were significantly higher in seedlings grown on flooded soil compared with those on drained soil. In contrast investment in coarse root biomass was significantly higher in seedlings grown on drained soil. It appeared that the aboveground growth benefits in flooded conditions were the result of more advantageous conditions for allocation of carbon to leaves thus enhancing overall relative growth rates through higher light interception rates despite lower photosynthetic capacity. The results of this experiment suggested that drainage of peat swamp forests would seriously hamper natural regeneration of ramin by limiting the growth of seedlings. It is also suggested that selective logging operations which produce medium-size canopy gaps improve ramin regeneration in hydrologically undisturbed mixed swamp forests.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Flooding
AGROVOC Term:	Soil
AGROVOC Term:	Photosynthesis
AGROVOC Term:	Ramin
AGROVOC Term:	Gonystylus bancanus
AGROVOC Term:	Seedlings
AGROVOC Term:	Natural regeneration
AGROVOC Term:	Drainage
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	26 Apr 2025 03:06
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/21051

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