SAPWOOD OF YOUNG TEAK FROM THINNING AS POTENTIAL MATERIAL FOR MAKING PRODUCTS

Abstract

: The demand of wood is increasing, but the supply is limited, on the contrary, there are amount of potential young teaks ( Tectona grandis L.f.) from thinning of teak plantations that could contribute to meet this demand. During the time from planting until harvesting (rotation age), a number of young teak trees, which comprise mostly sapwood, are felled regularly due to the thinning to stimulate the better growth of the remaining teak trees in the plantations. There are at least 1.2 million hectares of teak plantations in Java, Indonesia, and 3.146 million hectares in other countries. In one of the teak plantations, for 1 hectare with the average site quality and the rotation age of 40 years, from 1,769 5-year-old teak trees will be felled regularly during the rotation age until 277 39-year-old teak trees remain at harvesting. From this study, consider the significant amount of young teaks from the thinning is available, it is necessary to utilize these potential material become suitable products by taking the advantage of its properties and prominent characteristics, e.g. border patterns and lighter color of the sapwood, to enhance its utilization and value.