An assessment of teak [Tectona grandis] planting under tumpangsari system in Cepu Forest District, Central Java, Indonesia

This research was conducted to assess teak plantations establishment by tumpangsari system in Cepu Forest District, Central Java. Tumpangsari system has been adopted in Java for a long period of time. In this system, landless farmers surrounding teak plantation areas are given chance to plant cash crops between the young teak stands. Cepu Forest District which was predominated by teak plantations has a total growing stock of about 21,615 ha. During eleven years, 11,760 ha teaks were planted, 72.16% of which is planted by tumpangsari system. Teak plantation establishment by hired workers or banjar harian was only implemented in areas where has a high elevation or no farmers want to use the site for agricultural crops. The planting cost of teak by tumpangsari system is lower rate than banjar harian. The total cost for teak plantation establishment by stump on tumpangsari system was about Rp 947,540 per ha, while banjar harian was about Rp 1,642,490 per ha. Tumpangsari system provides better condition to the young teak plantations and therefore gave a high planting survival and growth rates of the teak stands. Planting survival of teak by stump on the tumpangsari plots ranged from 92.86% to 97.05%, while on the banjar harian ranged from 77.16% to 90.05%. The average tree height on the tumpangsari plots ranged from 3.05 m to 3.92 m, while on the banjar harian plots ranged from 2.75 m to 2.95 m.