STRUKTUR DAN KOMPOSISI TEGAKAN MERANTI MERAH (Shorea selanica) DI DESA OKI LAMA KECAMATAN NAMROLE KABUPATEN BURU SELATAN

Abstract

The results showed that the forest stand consisted of five vegetation strata (A, B, C, D, and E), with strata A and B being the dominant canopy layers. Vegetation composition comprised 15 species at the tree stage, 8 species at the pole stage, 9 species at the sapling stage, and 10 species at the seedling stage. Shorea selanica was the dominant species at all growth stages, with relative density values of 66.67% (tree), 2.44% (pole), 67.90% (sapling), and 82.60% (seedling). Relative frequency values were 46.00%, 44.83%, 56.80%, and 44.20%, respectively. Relative dominance reached 74.97% at the tree stage and 49.45% at the pole stage. The highest Importance Value Index (IVI) was also recorded for Shorea selanica, with values of 187.63% (tree), 145.50% (pole), 124.70% (sapling), and 126.80% (seedling).Environmental conditions at the study site showed air temperatures ranging from 21–23°C, soil pH between 6.0 and 7.2, and light intensity ranging from 216 to 453 lux, all of which are within the optimal range for the growth of red meranti. The high values of relative density, dominance, and IVI indicate that Shorea selanica is the principal species forming the forest stand and possesses good natural regeneration capability. The findings of this study are expected to provide scientific information to support sustainable forest management, conservation, and preservation of red meranti forests in South Buru Regency.