Estimation of litter fall and seed production of Acacia mangium in a forest plantation in South Sumatra, Indonesia

Annual litter fall of Acacia mangium in the period of September 1995 to August 1996 was estimated at 5939 kg ha(-1) year(-1) and from September 1995 to August 1996 at 6048 kg ha(-1) year(-1), with the highest seasonal production in the dry season. The litter fall was dominated mainly by leaves, 4446 kg (75%) and 4137 kg (68%), respectively. Seed production in the litter fall was estimated at 42.4 kg ha(-1) year(-1) (4.1 million seeds ha(-1)) and 39 kg ha(-1) year(-1) (3.8 million seeds ha(-1)), with the highest in the dry season from June to October. The accumulated litter fall in the forest floor together with shrubs and grass provide a high fuel load, increasing fire risk. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.